Writer Oscar Wilde was an Irish playwright, novelist, poet, and short story writer. He is best known for his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray and his play The Importance of Being Earnest. Wilde was a leading proponent of the Aesthetic movement which advocated art for art's sake. He was also a successful wit and a leader in the emerging philosophy of aestheticism. Wilde's works have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and plays.