born in chicago, illinois, mark romanek has directed numerous award winning music videos for such diverse artists as: fiona apple, beck, david bowie, johnny cash, eels, macy gray, janet jackson, michael jackson, mick jagger, lenny kravitz, madonna, nine inch nails, no doubt, iggy pop, red hot chili peppers, r.e.m., keith richards, and sonic youth.

romanek's music videos have received over a dozen mtv awards, two grammy awards, three clios, and three billboard music awards. two of romanek's music videos (madonna's "bedtime story" and nine inch nails "closer") have become part of the permanent collection of new york's museum of modern art.

in 1997, mtv presented him with its video vanguard award for his overall contribution to the medium.

more recently, romanek directed his own screenplay, one hour photo, for fox searchlight, starring robin williams, connie nielsen, michael vartan, and eriq lasalle. the film, which premiered (out of competition) at the 2002 sundance film festival, was released nationwide in august.