Mike Nichols (1931-2014) was an influential American director, screenwriter, and producer, known for his remarkable versatility across genres and his skill in directing actors.

His film career took off with the raw psychological drama *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* (1966), earning critical acclaim. The following year, he directed the iconic *The Graduate* (1967), which earned him the Academy Award for Best Director. This film, a symbol of the youth counterculture, explored alienation and generational dynamics.

Among his most significant works are also the drama *Silkwood* (1983), the sophisticated comedy *Working Girl* (1988), and the intense *Closer* (2004). His style was characterized by incisive dialogue and a deep exploration of complex human relationships, often with a touch of social satire.