Ian McEwan

British novelist and screenwriter, Ian McEwan, established his literary prowess with the Somerset Maugham Award for his first published work, "First Love, Last Rites," in 1976. His continued success in the literary field is evident in his winning the Booker Prize with "Amsterdam" in 1998. Further, his novel "Atonement" was adapted into an Oscar-winning film, increasing his influence in the film industry. His other notable works, including "The Children Act," "Nutshell," and "Machines Like Me," demonstrate his wide-ranging thematic interests. His earlier works, "The Cement Garden" and "The Comfort of Strangers," were also adapted into films, illustrating the cinematic appeal of his storytelling.

McEwan's further accomplishments include receiving the 1999 Shakespeare Prize and the 2011 Jerusalem Prize, adding to his international recognition. His expertise extends beyond novels as he has written a number of produced screenplays, a stage play, children's fiction, and an oratorio and a libretto titled "For You" with music composed by Michael Berkeley. His latest novel, "Lessons," published in 2022, has been highly acclaimed as a significant humanist novel. His works often explore psychological tension, moral complexity, and the consequences of small actions, with a focus on both scientific and literary themes.

McEwan's contributions to literature have earned him several prestigious memberships, including being a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, the Royal Society of Arts, the Society of Authors, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. His services to literature have also been recognized by his appointment as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2000. He has used his platform to participate in social and political causes, such as signing a petition in 2008 to support Roberto Saviano against threats from the Camorra, and another for the release of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani in Iran. He has also voiced critical views on the Brexit vote, highlighting its profound implications for the UK in a 2016 article for "The Guardian".