"Shaft" is a 1971 American action film directed by Gordon Parks. It follows the story of John Shaft, a private detective in New York City, who is hired to find the kidnapped daughter of a mobster. The film is notable for its portrayal of African American culture and its iconic soundtrack, composed by Isaac Hayes, which won an Academy Award. The character of John Shaft, played by Richard Roundtree, became a cultural icon and is often associated with the genre of blaxploitation films. The success of the original film led to several sequels and a 2000 remake starring Samuel L. Jackson, further solidifying Shaft's place in popular culture.