Michael Cunningham (born November 6, 1952) is an acclaimed American novelist and screenwriter, celebrated for his profound contributions to contemporary literature. Best known for his 1998 novel The Hours, which clinched both the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the PEN/Faulkner Award in 1999, Cunningham's repertoire spans across a diverse range of themes and narratives. His literary journey is marked by a unique blend of emotional depth and intricate storytelling, making his works a staple in modern American literature.

Cunningham's early life in Cincinnati, Ohio, and La Cañada, California, laid the groundwork for his literary pursuits. After attaining his B.A. in English Literature from Stanford University and his M.F.A. from the University of Iowa, he embarked on a prolific writing career. His debut novel, A Home at the End of the World (1990), received wide acclaim, setting the stage for his subsequent works such as Flesh and Blood (1995), and later, his award-winning novel, The Hours. Cunningham has also ventured into non-fiction with his book, Land's End: A Walk Through Provincetown, and continues to explore new narratives, as seen in his recent novel, The Snow Queen, and the story collection, A Wild Swan and Other Tales (2015).

In addition to his literary achievements, Cunningham has made significant contributions to the film industry, with notable adaptations of his works. The film version of The Hours, featuring Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman, and Meryl Streep, received widespread acclaim and several Academy Award nominations. His continuous engagement with the arts is further exemplified by his role as a senior lecturer in the English department at Yale University, where he nurtures the next generation of writers.

Cunningham's dedication to his craft has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Whiting Writers Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and a Michener Fellowship from the University of Iowa. His unwavering commitment to exploring the complexities of the human condition through literature cements his status as a pivotal figure in contemporary writing.