György Bodnár (born June 10, 1959) is a Hungarian actor and director. He is best known for his work in the films Kontroll (2003), The Uninvited Guest (2004), and Son of Saul (2015).
Bodnár was born in Budapest, Hungary. He attended the Academy of Drama and Film in Budapest from 1977 to 1981. During his time at the Academy he studied acting, directing, and scriptwriting.
After graduating from the Academy, Bodnár began his acting career in the Hungarian theater. He has performed in numerous plays, including the Hungarian National Theater's production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. He is also a frequent presence at the Budapest Fringe Festival, performing in plays such as The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Bodnár's film career began in the early 2000's with his role in Kontroll (2003). He played the lead character, a railway inspector who is trying to solve a series of murders on the Budapest Metro. Bodnár received critical acclaim for his performance in the film, and it won several international awards.
In 2004, Bodnár starred in The Uninvited Guest, a psychological thriller directed by Guillem Morales. The film follows a young man who is invited to an isolated home, where he is drawn into a web of lies and secrets. Bodnár’s performance as the mysterious guest was praised by critics, and the film won several awards.
Bodnár’s most acclaimed performance to date is his role as Mr. Leitner in the Academy Award-winning film Son of Saul (2015). Bodnár played an Auschwitz prisoner who helps guide the film’s protagonist in his quest to bury his son’s body. His performance earned him several awards, including the Cannes Film Festival’s Best Actor Award.
In addition to acting, Bodnár is also an accomplished director. He has directed two films, A Stranger in My Life (2009) and The Ghost of the Sea (2012).
Throughout his career, Bodnár has won numerous awards, including the Hungarian Film Critics’ Award for Best Actor and the Cannes Film Festival’s Best Actor Award. He continues to act and direct both in Hungary and abroad.
