zorba the greek (, "alexis zorbas") is a 1964 greek british american comedy-drama movie directed by michael cacoyannis and is based on the 1946 novel "the life and times of alexis zorba" by nikos kazantzakis. it stars anthony quinn, alan bates, irene papas, lila kedrova, sotiris moustakas, anna kyriakou and was distributed by 20th century fox. it won for three academy awards in 1964.