William Wyler
German-born American filmmaker (1902–1981)
Who was William Wyler?
William Wyler lived from July 1, 1902 to July 27, 1981. William Wyler (; born Willi Wyler (German: [ˈvɪli ˈvi:lɐ]); July 1, 1902 – July 27, 1981) was a German-born American film director and producer. William Wyler was a German-born American film director and producer.
Career and public life
For his oeuvre of work, Wyler was awarded the Irving G. Miniver (1942), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), and Ben-Hur (1959), all of which also won for Best Picture.
Historical significance
Known for his work in numerous genres over five decades, he received numerous accolades, including the most nominations for the Academy Award for Best Director (12). In addition to three Academy Awards, he also received two BAFTA Awards and one Golden Globe Award. Thalberg Memorial Award, the Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award, and the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award. Wyler emigrated to the United States in 1921 where he worked first for Universal Studios in New York before moving to Los Angeles. By 1925, he was the youngest director at Universal, and in 1929 he directed Hell's Heroes, Universal's first sound production filmed entirely on location. Wyler went on to win the Academy Award for Best Director three times, for Mrs.