Famous Russian Screenwriters

Andrei Tarkovsky was a Soviet and Russian writer, theatre director, filmmaker, and film theorist. Renowned for making movies that explored metaphysical and spiritual themes, Tarkovsky is often regarded as one of the most influential and greatest directors in the history of world cinema. The recipient of many prestigious awards, Andrei Tarkovsky's work continues to influence several filmmakers around the world.

Alla Nazimova was a Russian-American actress who had an extensive career on Broadway. She acted in the classic plays of playwrights like Ibsen, Chekhov, and Turgenev. She eventually moved on to films and had an equally successful stint in cinema as well. She was openly bisexual and had sexual relationships with women while being married to a man.

Timur Bekmambetov is a Russian-Kazakh screenwriter, film producer, director, and tech entrepreneur. He is best known for directing films like Night Watch and Wanted. He is also credited with pioneering Screenlife filmmaking. Timur Bekmambetov is also known for founding a production company called Baselevs.

Sergei Bondarchuk was a Soviet and Russian actor, screenwriter, and film director. One of the leading personalities of Russian cinema during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Bondarchuk is best remembered for his period dramas, including War and Peace and Waterloo. Sergei Bondarchuk's work earned him numerous international accolades, including the Golden Globe Award.

Vera Glagoleva was a Russian and Soviet film director and actress. She is best remembered for playing important roles in romantic comedies and melodramas. Some of her best known films include To Marry a Captain, Do Not Shoot at White Swans, and Poor Sasha. In 2011, Vera Glagoleva was honored with the People's Artist of Russia award.

Vsevolod Pudovkin was a Russian and Soviet actor, film director, and screenwriter. He is credited with playing an important role in the development of the Soviet montage theory, the most important contribution of Soviet film theorists to world cinema. The theory of montage is an approach to making films that depends heavily on editing.   

Vladimir Menshov was a Soviet and Russian film director and actor. He is best remembered for his portrayal of the working class in his films. Menshov is also remembered for directing the 1979 film Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears, which received the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Vladimir Menshov won several awards, including the Golden Eagle Award.

Yuri Bykov is a Russian screenwriter, filmmaker, and actor. Bykov is best known for directing movies like The Fool and The Major which earned him several awards. Yuri Bykov is also known for directing the popular TV series The Method.

Ukrainian and Russian theater actor and director Roman Viktyuk initially gained huge fame in the Russian stage circle. He later founded the Roman Viktyuk Theater, which later became a state theater, and also taught at the Russian Academy of Theater Arts. He died of COVID-19 in 2020.