Helmut Dietl (German: [ˈhɛl.muːt ˈdiːtl̩] ; 22 June 1944 – 30 March 2015) was a German film director and author from Bad Wiessee.
After leaving grammar school in 1958, Dietl completed a degree in theatre studies and history of art. He then became head of photography and later assistant director to the Munich Kammerspiele theatre. He first achieved directorial success with the TV series Monaco Franze, eventually moving on to create several notable films with the aid of Patrick Süskind's writing.
In 1998, he was a member of the judging panel at the 48th Berlin International Film Festival.
He died in Munich on 30 March 2015.
1996 Bavarian Film Awards, Best Director
2013 Deutscher Filmpreis, lifetime achievement award
2014 Bambi Award, lifetime achievement award