Cukor

George Cukor (March 7, 1899 – January 25, 1983) was an American film director whose career spanned the studio era of Hollywood. Renowned for his refined, actor-centered approach, he directed a wide range of prestige productions and popular entertainments, and is often cited as one of the era's leading practitioners of classic cinematic storytelling.

Born in New York City, Cukor began his career in theatre before transitioning to films in the early 1930s. He directed What Price Hollywood? (1932), a backstage melodrama that has been cited as a precursor to the film A Star Is Born. Over the next decades, he earned a reputation for shaping performances and for bringing out strong performances from actors, particularly women.

Among his best-known films are The Philadelphia Story (1940), Gaslight (1944), The Women (1939), Adam's Rib (1949), Born Yesterday (1950), A Star Is Born (1954), and My Fair Lady (1964). His work across genres—romantic comedy, drama, and musical—emphasized character and dialogue as well as elegant production values. He also became closely associated with leading actresses of the era, including Katharine Hepburn.

George Cukor won the Academy Award for Best Director for My Fair Lady (1964). He remained active until the 1960s and 70s, leaving a lasting influence on how directors balance performances with screen craft. He died in Beverly Hills, California, in 1983, leaving a legacy as a quintessential practitioner of classic Hollywood filmmaking.