He is a renowned French film director, producer, and screenwriter who was born in Iraia, Greece. He is best known as director and writer for the blockbuster hit movies like Missing (1982), Z (1969), Music Box (1989) and Amen (2002). His other-directed movies include Adults in the Room (2019), Capital (2012), Eden is West (2009), The Ax (2005), Mad City (1997), Special Section (1975), State of Siege (1972), The Confession (1970), The Minor Apocalypse (1993) and Betrayed (1988). He is the creator and honorary president of the Fondation Gan pour le Cinema. In 1976, he was a member of the Official Competition jury at the 29th Cannes International Film Festival. His movie Z was the first film to be nominated for both Best Foreign Language Film and Best picture at the Academy Awards. With the art of cinematic storytelling, Gavras has brought attention to international issues that were problematic and needed urgent addressal.

In the past, Costa Gavras has worked with celebrity makeup artists which include: Corinne Fouet.