The Wrestler is a 2008 American sports drama directed by Darren Aronofsky and written by Robert Siegel. The film stars Mickey Rourke as an aging professional wrestler struggling with failing health and fading fame who continues performing due to financial necessity. He attempts to rebuild his relationship with his estranged daughter while pursuing romance with a stripper. The movie premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2008 and received critical acclaim, winning the Golden Lion Award. It grossed $44.7 million against a modest $6 million budget and revitalized Rourke's career, earning him a Golden Globe, BAFTA, Independent Spirit Award, and an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.