Who Is Emir Kusturica? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on November 24, 1954, Emir Kusturica is currently 70 years old. He was born in Sarajevo, which was then part of Yugoslavia. Kusturica's illustrious career spans several decades, during which he has directed critically acclaimed films such as "Underground" and "Time of the Gypsies." He is celebrated for his distinct style that blends surrealism with the rich cultural tapestry of the Balkans. Kusturica has received numerous awards, including the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, solidifying his status as a master filmmaker.
| Occupation | Screenwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 24, 1954 |
| Age | 70 Years |
| Birth Place | Sarajevo, PR Bosnia and Herzegovina, FPR Yugoslavia |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
Popularity
Emir Kusturica's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Emir Kusturica's height and weight may vary over time, he is often described as having an average build. Generally, he stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. His physical presence, combined with his passionate expression in his work, reflects his artistic persona.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Emir Kusturica has had significant relationships throughout his life. He is known to be married to actress and producer Milena Pavlović. Together, they have two children. Kusturica has maintained a low-profile family life, keeping the details of his personal relationships private. As of 2025, there is no indication of any extramarital relationships or changes in his marital status.
He has competed at the Cannes Film Festival on five occasions and won the Palme d'Or twice (for When Father Was Away on Business and Underground), as well as the Best Director prize for Time of the Gypsies.
Kusturica has won a Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival for Arizona Dream, a Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival for Black Cat, White Cat and a Silver Lion for Best First Work for Do You Remember Dolly Bell?. He has also been made a Commander of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Kusturica has been a member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of the Republika Srpska since 9 November 2011. Among other accolades, Kusturica became a UNICEF ambassador in 2002 and eight years later he was made a chevalier of the Legion of Honour in France.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Emir Kusturica's estimated net worth is around $10 million. His earnings are primarily derived from his successful filmmaking career, music endeavors, and various artistic projects. Kusturica's international acclaim and recognition within the industry have allowed him to secure lucrative contracts and collaborations.
Andrej Nikolaidis, a Montenegrin writer and columnist, criticized Kusturica for appearing to agree with Slobodan Milošević's propaganda during the Bosnian War. Kusturica sued Nikolaidis and the Monitor newspaper for civil damages at the Supreme Court of Montenegro.
In the end, Nikolaidis was ordered to pay $6,490 to Kusturica for calling the famed director a "media star of Milosevic's war machinery". The judge ruled that the evidence was not credible enough.
In the end Nikolaidis and the paper were fined 12,000 euros for breaking the code of journalism by calling Kusturica "stupid, ugly and corrupt" in the article.
Career, Business, and Investments
Kusturica's career began in the 1980s, with his first major work being "Do You Remember Dolly Bell?" which earned him widespread recognition. He has since directed several films that have garnered critical acclaim, making significant contributions to the film industry. Beyond directing, Kusturica is also a talented musician and has composed scores for many of his films.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Kusturica has ventured into business. He owns "Drvengrad," a traditional village and cultural center he built in Serbia, which serves as a venue for cultural exchanges and film festivals, illustrating his commitment to cultural preservation and promotion.
He made his feature film debut in 1981 with Do You Remember Dolly Bell?, a coming-of-age drama that won the prestigious Silver Lion for Best First Work at that year's Venice Film Festival. The same year, at age 27, he became a lecturer at the newly established Academy of Performing Arts in Sarajevo, a job he held until 1988. He was also art director of Open Stage Obala (Otvorena scena Obala).
Social Network
Emir Kusturica is relatively private regarding his personal life on social media platforms. However, he maintains an official presence on social networks where he shares insights into his projects and cultural activities. His online presence is used primarily to promote his work and engage with fans and followers interested in his artistic contributions.
French philosopher Bernard-Henri Lévy made a film criticizing Underground. In a discussion with Levy, the Slovenian philosopher Slavoj Žižek said:"I hope we share another point, which is – to be brutal – hatred of [director] Emir Kusturica. Underground is one of the most horrible films that I've seen.
What kind of Yugoslav society do you see in Kusturica's Underground? A society where people fornicate, drink, fight – a kind of eternal orgy."Emir Kusturica taught Film Directing at Columbia University's Graduate Film Division.
Education
Kusturica's foundation in the arts began with his education at the Academy of Film and Theatre in Prague. His studies helped shape his unique perspective on storytelling, making him a renowned figure in the industry. His educational background, combined with his life experiences, echoes throughout his work, reflecting deep cultural insights and imaginative storytelling.
In conclusion, Emir Kusturica continues to be an influential figure in cinema and music, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Balkans through his artistic endeavors. As he moves further into his career in 2025, his work continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and artists alike.
In 1978, Kusturica graduated from the film school (FAMU) at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, which is why he is sometimes considered a part of the Prague film school, an informal group of Yugoslav film directors who studied at FAMU and shared similar influences and aesthetics. After graduating from FAMU, Kusturica began directing made-for-TV short films in Yugoslavia.
