Andrzej Wajda (born March 6, 1926, in Suwałki, died October 9, 2016, in Warsaw) – Polish film and theatre director, active as a painter in his youth. In the 1989 – 1990 season, he was the artistic director of the Powszechny Theater in Warsaw. In the years 1989–1991, he was a senator of the 1st term. Knight of the Order of the White Eagle.
His films have been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film four times.
He gained popularity by the films initiating the so-called Polish film school: “Kanał” (“Sewer”) and “Ashes and Diamonds”, in which he reappraised the times of World War II.
He directed the films embedded in the social theme of the communist system in Poland: “Man of Marble” and its continuation “Man of Iron”, which was awarded the Palme d’Or at the 34th Cannes IFF.
He was awarded many times for his contribution to the development of cinematography, including in 2000 the Academy Award (Oscar) for lifetime achievement. For lifetime achievement, he was also awarded the honorary Golden Bear, Caesar, and the Golden Lion.