Hilmar Oddsson, a highly acclaimed and multifaceted Icelandic film professional, hailed from Reykjavík, where he first drew breath on January 19, 1957. As the eldest offspring of a remarkable couple, playwright and theatre director Oddur Björnsson, who passed away in 2011, and his first spouse, Borghildur Thors, born in 1933, Hilmar's early life was shaped by the rich cultural heritage of his family.
Notable individual Hilmar's educational background commenced at Menntaskólinn í Reykjavík, a prestigious institution, where he actively participated in the theatre club, showcasing his creative prowess. His academic journey continued at the University of Television and Film Munich, where he remained until 1986, further honing his skills. Following the successful completion of his studies, Hilmar embarked on a distinguished directing career, initially venturing into screenwriting, crafting original scripts for his inaugural projects.
In the year 1995, Hilmar embarked on a cinematic endeavour, crafting a biopic that would pay tribute to the life and works of the renowned Icelandic composer, Jón Leifs, and title it Tears of Stone, a poignant and evocative moniker that would resonate with audiences worldwide. This critically acclaimed film would go on to garner widespread recognition and accolades, with Hilmar himself receiving the prestigious Edda Award for Best Director in the year 2004, a testament to his exceptional skill and artistry behind the camera.
The following year, Hilmar's masterpiece, Cold Light, would further solidify his reputation as a master filmmaker, as he took home the Edda Award for Best Film, a triumph that would cement his position as one of the most respected and innovative directors in the industry.
Notably, Hilmar's professional endeavors extend beyond his work in feature films, as he has also contributed to a wide range of television reports, video clips, and commercials.
During the period spanning from 2004 to 2006, Hilmar held the esteemed position of chairman for the Icelandic Directors' Guild, a prominent organization known as Samtök kvikmyndaleikstjóra.
Hilmar, a multifaceted musician with a storied career, has had the distinction of wielding both guitar and keyboard as a vital component of the esteemed band Melchior, a musical entity that has been fortunate enough to release a total of three albums, a testament to Hilmar's dedication and artistry, since the year 1973.
In addition to his work with Melchior, Hilmar has also made significant contributions to the world of film music, having composed the score for his cinematic endeavour, The Beast (Eins og skepnan deyr),a project that showcases his versatility and range as a composer.
Furthermore, Hilmar has also pursued a solo career, releasing the album Og augun opnast in the year 1989, a creative endeavour that allowed him to explore new sounds and styles, and to showcase his unique artistic vision to the world.
Beyond his work in the realm of music, Hilmar has also been actively involved in the world of classical music, having served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra from 1998 to 2006, a position that has enabled him to utilize his expertise and passion for music to shape the future of this esteemed institution.
Þórey Sigþórsdóttir, a talented actress, has been the loving spouse of Hilmar, and together they have been blessed with two remarkable offspring, one of whom is the accomplished actress Hera Hilmar.
