Alfred Joseph Hitchcock (August 13, 1899 - April 29, 1980) was an English film director and producer. He pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres. After a successful career in British cinema in both silent films and early talkies, billed as England's best director, he moved to Hollywood in 1939. Many of his films have twist endings and thrilling plots featuring depictions of violence, murder, and crime. His films also borrow many themes from psychoanalysis and feature strong sexual overtones. Through his cameo appearances in his own films, interviews, film trailers, and the television program Alfred Hitchcock Presents, he became a cultural icon. He directed more than fifty feature films in a career spanning six decades. He received a knighthood in 1980. He was a multiple nominee and winner of a number of prestigious awards, but never won an Academy Award as Best Director. He died of renal failure in 1980 at the age of 80.