James Goldman (June 30, 1927 – October 28, 1998) was an American playwright and screenwriter.

His younger brother was novelist and screenwriter William Goldman.

Born in June 30, 1927, the first son of a Jewish family[1] in Chicago, Illinois, Goldman grew up primarily in Highland Park, Illinois, a Chicago suburb.

He is most noted as the playwright of The Lion in Winter and for writing the screenplay of its 1968 film adaptation, for which he received an Academy Award.

He also wrote the book for the Broadway musical Follies (1971), which was nominated for a Tony Award.