Steven Zaillian

Biography

Steven Zaillian (born 1953) is one of Hollywood's most esteemed screenwriters, renowned for his meticulous research, intricate plotting, and ability to craft compelling narratives that often delve into complex moral dilemmas and historical events. Beyond his prolific writing career, he has also made a significant mark as a director and producer, earning him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award.

Born on January 30, 1953, in Fresno, California, Zaillian is of Armenian descent. He graduated from San Francisco State University in 1975 with a degree in Cinema. His early career involved editing films, but he soon transitioned into screenwriting, finding his true calling in weaving intricate stories for the big screen.

Zaillian's breakthrough as a screenwriter came with "The Falcon and the Snowman" (1985), a political thriller based on a true story. He quickly followed this with the critically acclaimed "Awakenings" (1990), based on Oliver Sacks' non-fiction book, which earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

His most celebrated achievement is undoubtedly his Academy Award-winning screenplay for Steven Spielberg's monumental Holocaust drama, "Schindler's List" (1993). This powerful adaptation of Thomas Keneally's novel cemented Zaillian's reputation for tackling profound and challenging subject matter with sensitivity and depth.

Beyond "Schindler's List," Zaillian's impressive filmography as a screenwriter includes a remarkable range of genres and stories:

"Clear and Present Danger" (1994)

"Mission: Impossible" (1996) (story credit)

"Hannibal" (2001)

"Gangs of New York" (2002) (Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay)

"American Gangster" (2007)

"Moneyball" (2011) (Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay)

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (2011)

"The Irishman" (2019) (Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay), reuniting him with director Martin Scorsese.

Zaillian has also made his mark as a director, often helming films from his screenplays. His directorial credits include:

• "Searching for Bobby Fischer" (1993), a highly praised drama about a chess prodigy.
• "A Civil Action" (1998), a legal drama starring John Travolta and Robert Duvall.
• "All the King's Men" (2006), an adaptation of the classic novel.

In recent years, Zaillian has extended his talents to television, notably creating, writing, and directing the acclaimed limited series "The Night Of" (2016), for which he received multiple Emmy nominations and a DGA Award, and more recently, the highly praised Netflix series "Ripley" (2024), for which he won an Emmy for Outstanding Directing.

Known for his meticulous research and comprehensive approach, Zaillian often writes lengthy, detailed scripts. He is celebrated for his ability to translate complex books and real-life events into compelling cinematic narratives that resonate with audiences. His work consistently showcases a deep understanding of character motivation and the ability to build tension and emotional weight through subtle details.

Steven Zaillian's enduring career stands as a testament to his prowess as a storyteller and his unwavering commitment to crafting intelligent, impactful cinema and television.