The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a 2008 American romantic fantasy drama film directed by David Fincher and adapted from F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1922 short story. The movie centers on a man who ages backward, portrayed by Brad Pitt, and his lifelong connection with a woman played by Cate Blanchett. The production took years to develop, eventually moving forward after Fincher and Pitt joined the project in 2005. Upon its December 2008 release, the film earned positive reviews and became a significant box office success, grossing $335.8 million worldwide against its substantial budget. At the Academy Awards, it received thirteen nominations and won three Oscars for technical achievements.