John Whitney "Whit" Stillman (born January 25, 1952) is an American writer-director known for his sly depictions of the "urban haute bourgeoisie." He is perhaps best known for his 1990 film Metropolitan, which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and the 1998 romantic drama The Last Days of Disco. On 22 January 2016 it was announced that Kate Beckinsale would star in Stillman's new film Love & Friendship playing a widow arranging a marriage for her daughter and for herself.