Krystyna Janda then and now (1977 - 2025)

Krystyna Janda is a renowned Polish actress, director, and cultural figure whose career spans several decades and encompasses film, theater, and television. She made her film debut in 1976 with a leading role in Andrzej Wajda's *Man of Marble*, a performance that immediately established her as a significant talent in Polish cinema.

Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Janda became one of Poland's most acclaimed actresses. She starred in several key films, including Man of Iron (1981), also by Wajda, which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Another notable performance came in Mephisto (1981), directed by István Szabó, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Her work often reflected political and social themes, making her a symbolic figure during Poland's time of political unrest.

In 1990, she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in Interrogation (*Przesłuchanie*), a film that had been banned in Poland for years due to its critical portrayal of communist-era abuses.

Aside from her film career, Janda has had an extensive and celebrated presence in theater. She worked with many prominent directors and became known for her powerful stage performances in both classical and contemporary roles. In the early 2000s, she founded the Polonia Theatre in Warsaw, followed by the Och-Teatr, both of which are now important cultural institutions in Poland. These theaters have allowed her to stage ambitious productions and support emerging talent.

Janda has also directed several theater productions and written memoirs and essays, sharing her insights on acting, politics, and Polish culture. In recent years, she has remained active in the arts and public life, often speaking out on political and social issues.

Her career is marked by artistic courage, versatility, and a commitment to cultural and civic engagement. From her early cinematic breakthroughs to her later work as a director and theater founder, Krystyna Janda has remained a central figure in Polish cultural life.
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