Renowned Canadian film director Norman Jewison, known for tackling issues like racism and civil rights, has passed away at the age of 97. His work as a versatile storyteller left a lasting impact on the film industry.
A versatile storyteller, Norman Jewison tackled issues such as racism and civil rights.
Jeff Sanderson announced on Saturday that the three-time Oscar nominee for best director passed away peacefully at his residence, providing no further details.
Jewison, recognized for directing classics such as Moonstruck, In The Heat Of The Night, and Fiddler on the Roof, was celebrated as a versatile storyteller known for addressing issues like racism and civil rights in his films.
His films amassed 46 Academy Award nominations, winning 12 Oscars. In 1999, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award from America’s Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, followed by a similar accolade in Canada four years later for his contributions to the country’s film industry, including the establishment of the Canadian Film Centre.
Reflecting on his approach to filmmaking in his 2004 autobiography, Jewison wrote, “I have tended to show humanity as fallible, sensitive, befuddled, misled but redeemable, rather than mindless, relentlessly violent. I want people to recognize themselves in the movies I make. I don’t enjoy no-brainer action movies.”
Throughout his illustrious career, the Toronto-born director collaborated with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Denzel Washington and Sidney Poitier.
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