Adam Pawlikowski (Warsaw, 21 November 1925 – Warsaw, 17 January 1976) was a Polish actor, music critic, and journalist, considered one of the iconic figures of the Polish Film School. His acting career is inextricably linked to his collaboration with director Andrzej Wajda, for whom he played memorable roles in internationally acclaimed films such as *Canal* (Kanał, 1957) and, most notably, *Ashes and Diamonds* (Popiół i diament, 1958), where his character, Andrzej, became a symbol of his generation. In addition to acting, he was a versatile intellectual: he worked as a music critic for major magazines, pursued journalism, and also composed music. Although he did not receive any major individual awards, his primary recognition lies in his status as a cultural icon and in the indelible impact that his complex and tormented characters had on post-war Polish cinema. He continued to act in numerous film and television productions until the early 1970s, solidifying his image as an intellectual actor.