Orson Welles: Movies, Awards & Box Office

George Orson Welles (May 6, 1915 - October 10, 1985) was an American multi-talented artistic dynamo who made his indelible mark in acting, directing, writing, and producing. He is best known for his innovative work in film, radio, and theatre, in particular, his 1941 film, 'Citizen Kane' which often cited as the greatest film ever made.

At a tender age of 21, Welles remarked his notability in the theatrical landscape by directing high-profile stage productions for the Federal Theatre Project in New York City. The brilliance of his innovative directorial style was further recognized when at 23, his radio adaptation of H.G.Wells's novel 'The War of the Worlds' caused quite a stir, making him genuine overnight radio sensation. His first film, 'Citizen Kane,' at age 26, which he co-wrote, produced, directed, and acted broke new grounds in film-making and is still celebrated for its pioneering techniques. In an illustrious career, Welles directed 13 features, each one revealing his distinctive artistic vision. However, Welles remained an outsider to the studio system and often found himself confronting for creative control on his projects with major film studios and independent financiers across Europe. Despite such tussles, Welles left a rich legacy of films.