The Deer Hunter is a 1978 American epic war drama film co-written and directed by Michael Cimino about a trio of Russian-American steelworkers whose lives are upended by fighting in the Vietnam War. The soldiers are played by Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and John Savage, with John Cazale, Meryl Streep, and George Dzundza in supporting roles. The story takes place in Clairton, Pennsylvania and in Vietnam. Best Picture at the 51st Academy Awards, April 9, 1979 — hosted by Johnny Carson at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Wiki link Wiki link Poster: TMDB (this product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB).