James Goldman was an American playwright and screenwriter. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up primarily in Highland Park, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. He is most noted as the author of The Lion in Winter and the author of the book for the stage musical Follies.

Goldman won an Academy Award for his screenplay The Lion in Winter (1968). His younger brother was the novelist and screenwriter William Goldman.

Goldman passed away from a heart attack in New York City, where he had lived for many years.