Elia Kazan was a Greek-American film director, producer, writer and actor. He is best known for his films 'A Streetcar Named Desire' (1951) and 'On the Waterfront' (1954), both of which earned him Academy Awards for Best Director. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for 'East of Eden' (1955). Kazan's career spanned over five decades and he was one of the most influential directors in Hollywood.