# Irvin Kershner

> American film director (1923–2010)

**Wikidata**: [Q119348](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q119348)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irvin_Kershner)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/irvin-kershner

## Summary
Irvin Kershner was an American film director (1923–2010) best known for directing *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980), a landmark film in the *Star Wars* saga. He also directed *The Empire Strikes Back*, which won the Saturn Award for Best Director and was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. Kershner was a prolific filmmaker who worked in various genres, including action, adventure, and science fiction.

## Biography
- Born: April 29, 1923
- Nationality: American
- Education: University of Southern California (USC), Temple University, USC School of Cinematic Arts
- Known for: Directing *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* and other notable films
- Employer(s): University of Southern California, Temple University, USC School of Cinematic Arts
- Field(s): Film direction, film production, film editing

## Contributions
- Directed *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980), a film that won the Saturn Award for Best Director and was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
- Directed *Never Say Never Again* (1983), a James Bond film that was a remake of *Thunderball* (1965).
- Directed *RoboCop* (1987), a science fiction action film based on the Marvel Comics character.
- Directed *The Return of the Jedi* (1983), the third film in the original *Star Wars* trilogy.
- Directed *The Man with Two Brains* (1983), a science fiction comedy film.
- Directed *The Final Countdown* (1980), a science fiction action film.
- Directed *The Empire Strikes Back* (1980), a film that won the Saturn Award for Best Director and was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
- Directed *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980), a film that won the Saturn Award for Best Director and was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.

## FAQs
**What is Irvin Kershner known for?**
Irvin Kershner is known for directing *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980), which won the Saturn Award for Best Director and was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. He also directed other notable films, including *Never Say Never Again* (1983) and *RoboCop* (1987).

**Where did Irvin Kershner study?**
Irvin Kershner studied at the University of Southern California (USC), Temple University, and the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

**What awards did Irvin Kershner receive?**
Irvin Kershner received the Saturn Award for Best Director for *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980) and was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation for the same film.

**What films did Irvin Kershner direct?**
Irvin Kershner directed *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980), *Never Say Never Again* (1983), *RoboCop* (1987), *The Return of the Jedi* (1983), *The Man with Two Brains* (1983), and *The Final Countdown* (1980).

## Why They Matter
Irvin Kershner's work as a film director had a significant impact on the science fiction and action genres. His direction of *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980) is considered a landmark film in the *Star Wars* saga and won the Saturn Award for Best Director. His other notable films, including *Never Say Never Again* (1983) and *RoboCop* (1987), also made significant contributions to their respective genres. Kershner's influence on the film industry is evident in his ability to create compelling and visually stunning films that captivated audiences worldwide.

## Notable For
- Directed *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980), which won the Saturn Award for Best Director and was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.
- Directed *Never Say Never Again* (1983), a James Bond film that was a remake of *Thunderball* (1965).
- Directed *RoboCop* (1987), a science fiction action film based on the Marvel Comics character.
- Directed *The Return of the Jedi* (1983), the third film in the original *Star Wars* trilogy.
- Directed *The Man with Two Brains* (1983), a science fiction comedy film.
- Directed *The Final Countdown* (1980), a science fiction action film.
- Received the Saturn Award for Best Director for *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980).
- Nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation for *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980).

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Irvin Kershner was born on April 29, 1923. He studied at the University of Southern California (USC), Temple University, and the USC School of Cinematic Arts, where he honed his skills in film direction and production.

### Career and Notable Works
Irvin Kershner's career as a film director spanned several decades, during which he directed numerous notable films. His most famous work is *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980), which won the Saturn Award for Best Director and was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. The film is considered a landmark in the *Star Wars* saga and has had a significant impact on the science fiction genre.

Kershner also directed *Never Say Never Again* (1983), a James Bond film that was a remake of *Thunderball* (1965). The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike and showcased Kershner's ability to create compelling and visually stunning action sequences.

In addition to his work in the science fiction and action genres, Kershner also directed *RoboCop* (1987), a science fiction action film based on the Marvel Comics character. The film was a critical and commercial success and helped establish Kershner as a respected director in the industry.

### Awards and Recognition
Irvin Kershner received numerous awards and recognition for his contributions to the film industry. He won the Saturn Award for Best Director for *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980) and was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation for the same film. These awards are a testament to Kershner's skill and creativity as a film director.

### Legacy and Influence
Irvin Kershner's legacy as a film director is marked by his ability to create compelling and visually stunning films that captivated audiences worldwide. His work in the science fiction and action genres has had a significant impact on the industry, and his influence can be seen in the films of many directors who followed in his footsteps.

Kershner's contributions to the film industry are not only recognized by his awards and accolades but also by the enduring popularity of his films. *Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back* (1980) remains a beloved and iconic film in the *Star Wars* saga, and *RoboCop* (1987) is still considered a classic in the science fiction action genre.

### Personal Life and Death
Irvin Kershner passed away on November 27, 2010. His death marked the end of an era in the film industry, as he was a respected and influential figure who had made significant contributions to the genre of science fiction and action. Kershner's legacy continues to live on through his films, which remain beloved by audiences worldwide.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. datos.bne.es
4. www.acmi.net.au
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. IMDb
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. SNAC
10. Find a Grave
11. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
12. Proleksis Encyclopedia
13. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/30/movies/30kershner.html)
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. The Movie Database