Elia Kazan (Elias Kazancıoğlu, 7 Sept 1909, Istanbul, Turkey - 28 Sept 2003 a New York City, USA).

Film Career. Elia Kazan was one of the most influential American directors and screenwriters in the film industry. His career spanned from theater to cinema, and he is known for directing films that tackle complex social themes.

Early Life. Kazan immigrated to the United States at a young age and became renowned as a theater director on Broadway before transitioning to cinema. He studied playwriting at Yale University.

Interests. Elia Kazan had a deep interest in theater and cinema, and he was known for his passion in telling meaningful stories through the medium of film and theater. He also had an interest in social and political issues, which often found expression in his works.

Personal Life. Kazan was married three times and had four children. His personal life was complex and influenced his work, including the controversial "Naming Names" period in Hollywood.

Important Films:

"A Streetcar Named Desire" (1951): Based on Tennessee Williams' play, the film features an iconic performance by Marlon Brando as Stanley Kowalski. It explores the conflict between desire and civility.

"On the Waterfront" (1954): Starring Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint, the film is a tale of corruption and redemption on the docks of New York. Brando's character, Terry Malloy, became legendary.

"Viva Zapata!" (1952): A historical drama with Marlon Brando as Emiliano Zapata, the leader of the Mexican revolution. The film explores the theme of social justice and the struggle for peasants' rights.

"Boomerang!" (1947): A courtroom drama with a young Kirk Douglas playing a prosecutor who seeks justice in a small town. The film is known for its humanity and optimistic spirit.

Filmography

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945)

Boomerang! (1947)

Gentleman's Agreement (1947)

Pinky (1949)

Panic in the Streets (1950)

A Streetcar Named Desire (Un tram che si chiama Desiderio) (1951)

Viva Zapata! (1952)

Man on a Tightrope (L'uomo sul filo) (1953)

On the Waterfront (Fronte del porto) (1954)

East of Eden (La valle dell'Eden) (1955)

Baby Doll (1956)

A Face in the Crowd (Un volto nella folla) (1957)

Wild River (Il fiume selvaggio) (1960)

Splendor in the Grass (Splendore nell'erba) (1961)

America, America (1963)

The Arrangement (L'urlo) (1969)

The Visitors (I visitatori) (1972)

The Last Tycoon (L'ultimo magnate) (1976)

Awards

Academy Awards (Oscars):

Best Director: Won for "Gentleman's Agreement" (1947) and "On the Waterfront" (1954).

Honorary Oscar: Received in 1999 for his unique contribution to the world of cinema.

Golden Globe Awards:

Won a Golden Globe for directing "On the Waterfront".

Tony Awards:

Won several Tony Awards for his theatrical directing, significantly contributing to American theater.

Cannes Film Festival:

Palme d'Or: Won for "On the Waterfront".