Zachary Edward Snyder (born March 1, 1966) is an American filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, and cinematographer whose distinctive visual style has made him one of the most influential blockbuster directors of the 21st century. Renowned for his operatic storytelling, striking cinematography, and groundbreaking action sequences, Snyder has helped redefine the modern comic book epic and established one of the most recognizable cinematic signatures in contemporary Hollywood.

After beginning his career directing commercials and music videos, Snyder made his feature film debut with the acclaimed horror remake Dawn of the Dead (2004), before achieving worldwide success with 300 (2006), whose revolutionary visual style transformed the look of modern action cinema. He followed with Watchmen (2009), Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (2010), and the original fantasy film Sucker Punch (2011), further cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood's most visually ambitious filmmakers.