Legendary Director Norman Jewison Passes Away at 97

Renowned director Norman Jewison, known for his influential contributions to the film industry, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20, at the age of 97. With a career spanning over four decades, Jewison directed several critically acclaimed films and received multiple Oscar nominations.

Jewison's filmography includes Best Picture Oscar winner "In the Heat of the Night" and nominees "Fiddler on the Roof," "A Soldier's Story," "Moonstruck," and "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming," for which he also served as a producer. Throughout his career, his films received a total of 46 nominations and won 12 Academy Awards.

Born in Toronto on July 21, 1926, Jewison began his career as an actor in stage and radio productions for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He later went on to write, direct, and produce popular musicals, dramas, comedy-variety shows, and specials for the CBC. In 1958, Jewison moved to New York to direct television shows for CBS, which eventually led to directing award-winning specials featuring Judy Garland and collaborations with renowned artists such as Harry Belafonte and Danny Kaye.

Jewison's directorial breakthrough came with his first independent production in 1965, "The Cincinnati Kid," starring Steve McQueen, Ann-Margret, and Edward G. Robinson. This success propelled him to direct notable films like "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming," "The Thomas Crown Affair," and "In the Heat of the Night," which earned five Academy Awards including Best Picture in 1967.

In addition to his accomplishments as a director, Jewison was also recognized as a producer, having worked on films such as "The Hurricane," "Agnes of God," "Rollerball" (1975), and "Jesus Christ Superstar." He had a keen eye for talent and his productions included Hal Ashby's directorial debut, "The Landlord."

Throughout his career, Jewison received numerous prestigious awards, including the renowned Irving G. Thalberg Award at the Academy Awards in 1999. He also amassed three Emmy Awards for his contributions to television. The Berlin Film Festival, Italy's Donatello Award, and the Canadian Academy's Genie Award were among the many accolades bestowed upon him.

Jewison's dedication to the film industry extended beyond his own work. He founded the Canadian Film Centre, which offers filmmakers the opportunity to refine their skills, and was honored with its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2010, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Directors Guild of America, and in subsequent years he was honored with retrospectives at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the Toronto International Film Festival.

Recognized for his significant role in the industry, Jewison was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1982 and a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1992. He was also a recipient of the Governor General's Performing Arts Award in 2004.

Norman Jewison is survived by his loving wife Lynne St. David, his children Kevin Jewison (Suzanne), Michael Jewison (Anita), Jenny Snyder (David), and his grandchildren Ella, Megan, Alexandra, Sam, and Henry. He is predeceased by his first wife Margaret Ann (Dixie) Jewison. Celebrations of Life will be held in Los Angeles and Toronto at a later date.

In honor of Jewison's passing, Directors Guild of America President Lesli Linka Glatter expressed her condolences, highlighting Jewison's remarkable range as a filmmaker and his commitment to defending the rights of his fellow directors. She praised his powerful films addressing racism and injustice, such as "In the Heat of the Night" and "A Soldier's Story," and commended him for being a driving force within the Guild, mentoring future directors, and advocating for creative rights.

The loss of Norman Jewison leaves a void in the film industry, but his legacy as a visionary director and tireless advocate for directors' rights will continue to inspire and shape the craft of filmmaking.