Edmund Goulding (20 March 1891 – 24 December 1959) was a multifaceted British artist known for his significant contributions to Hollywood's Golden Age as a screenwriter, film director, songwriter, composer, and producer. Born in Feltham, Middlesex, England, Goulding began his career on the London stage as an actor, playwright, and director. His service in World War I was cut short due to injuries, leading him to emigrate to the United States in 1921.

Goulding's early Hollywood career saw him writing screenplays for stars like Mae Murray and directing films such as "Fury" (1923). He became renowned for directing sophisticated dramas and comedies, with notable works including "Grand Hotel" (1932), "Dark Victory" (1939), and "The Razor's Edge" (1946). Despite his success, Goulding never received an Academy Award nomination for Best Director, although three of his films were nominated for Best Picture, with "Grand Hotel" winning the award.

Goulding's career was marked by his versatility; he was involved in various aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting to music composition. His directorial style was celebrated for its elegance and emotional depth, particularly in films featuring strong female performances. He directed nine actors to Oscar nominations, with Mary Astor and Anne Baxter winning for their roles in his films.

His personal life was as complex as his professional one, involving unconventional sexual desires and struggles with addiction, which led to legal troubles and a temporary exile to Europe. Goulding was briefly married to Marjorie Moss, who passed away in 1935. He died in Los Angeles during heart surgery and was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Despite his significant contributions, Goulding remains a somewhat neglected figure in film history, with his life and work offering insights into the workings of Hollywood's studio system and its stars.