Born in the vibrant city of Belgrade, Milena Dravic was destined for a life in the performing arts, with her involvement beginning at the tender age of four. She started with dance, gradually transitioning to classical ballet, showcasing her innate talent and dedication.
In 1959, while still in high school, director Frantisek Cap stumbled upon her on the cover of a youth magazine, featuring a group photo of ballet dancers. He was so impressed that he approached her on the spot to star in his film, Vrata ostaju otvorena. Following a few more film appearances, she decided to pursue acting full-time and successfully enrolled in Belgrade's prestigious Dramatic Arts Academy.
The turning point in her career came in 1962, when she won the coveted Golden Arena for Best Actress award for her role in Branko Bauer's film, Prekobrojna. This monumental achievement catapulted her to the status of Yugoslavia's first and arguably its biggest female movie star.
Throughout her long and illustrious career, Milena Dravic consistently demonstrated her remarkable talent and versatility. She effortlessly transitioned between dramatic roles, effortlessly portraying tragic heroines in state-sponsored World War II epics, eccentric protagonists in experimental art-house films like WR: Mysteries of the Organism, and romantic comedies.
In the 1970s and 1980s, she particularly excelled in romantic comedies, showcasing her exceptional range and comedic timing. Her outstanding performance in Special Treatment earned her the prestigious Cannes Best Supporting Actress Award in 1980.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to domestic cinematography, Milena Dravic received the esteemed Pavle Vujisic Award in August 1994.
