Sir Stephen Arthur Frears, born 20 June 1941, is an esteemed British director and producer of both film and television. Often exploring real-life stories, his projects typically delve into social class through richly illustrated characters. He has received multiple accolades, including three BAFTA Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards. Notable in his homeland, The Daily Telegraph named him among the 100 most influential people in British culture in 2008. In 2009, he received the Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. In 2023, he was knighted for his contributions to the film and television industries.

Born and educated in Leicester at Gresham's School and Trinity College, Cambridge, Frears began his career working as an assistant director in theatre and film, while also directing numerous television plays. His debut feature film was Gumshoe in 1971. He gained considerable recognition for his films in the 1980s, such as the acclaimed My Beautiful Laundrette (1985), Prick Up Your Ears (1987), and Dangerous Liaisons (1988), and scored Academy Award nominations for The Grifters (1990) and The Queen (2006). Among his notable TV work are Fail Safe (2000), The Deal (2003), and Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight (2013). His direction of A Very English Scandal (2018) earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.