The Greatest Showman is a 2017 American musical period drama film directed by Michael Gracey. It stars Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum, a visionary showman and entrepreneur who rises from nothing to create the famous Barnum & Bailey Circus. The film features an original musical score with nine songs written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. It is a heavily fictionalized depiction of Barnum's life and the creation of his circus, celebrating the birth of show business and the spectacle that captivated audiences worldwide. The movie premiered in December 2017, and despite mixed reviews from critics regarding its factual accuracy and dramatization, it was a major box office success, grossing $459 million globally. It won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song ("This Is Me") and has received accolades for its performances, music, and production values. The cast also includes Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya. The story shows Barnum's journey from modest beginnings to creating a circus with unique performers, facing social criticism, and eventually celebrating the success and acceptance of his show. The film's music and choreography are praised for their modern and uplifting style, making it a popular musical drama.