James Ivory

James Francis Ivory, born as Richard Jerome Hazen on June 7, 1928, is recognized as an acclaimed American film director, producer, and screenwriter, largely known for his extensive work with Merchant Ivory Productions, the film company he established with Indian film producer Ismail Merchant and screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. He has an impressive track record of transforming classic novels into cinematic masterpieces, with films renowned for their elegant visuals, nuanced characters, strong performances, and faithful rendition of complex literary themes. Through his career, Ivory has made esteemed adaptations from authors like E.M. Forster and Henry James.

Ivory's contributions to film have earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, multiple BAFTA Awards, and a Writers Guild of America Award. Recognized as a significant figure in independent cinema, he is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most extended partnership in independent cinema history with Merchant. In 1995, Ivory received the Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award. He authored his autobiography, Solid Ivory: Memoirs, in 2021, and directed the documentary A Cooler Climate, released in 2022.