On This Day

Akira Kurosawa

Film Director and Screenwriter Akira Kurosawa

Profession: Film Director and Screenwriter

Nationality:
Japan
Japanese

Why Famous: Widely regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema.

Kurosawa's films - which include Rashomon, Drunken Angel, Seven Samurai and Yojimbo - have influenced many Hollywood filmmakers including Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese.

Born: March 23, 1910
Birthplace: Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Aries

Died: September 6, 1998 (aged 88)
Cause of Death: Stroke

Married Life

  • 1945-05-21 Director Akira Kurosawa (35) weds actress Yoko Yaguchi (23)

Historical Events

  • 1950-08-25 "Rashomon", Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshiro Mifune and Machiko Kyō, is released (Honorary Academy Award 1952)
  • 1951-08-20 12th Venice Film Festival: "Rashomon" directed by Akira Kurosawa wins the Golden Lion
  • 1954-04-26 "Seven Samurai", Japanese film directed by Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshiro Mifune, is released
  • 1980-05-23 33rd Cannes Film Festival: "All That Jazz" directed by Bob Fosse and "Kagemusha" directed by Akira Kurosawa jointly awarded the Palme d'Or
  • 1990-03-26 Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa wins the Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement

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