William Wyler

William Wyler was a German-born American film director and producer who worked across numerous genres over five decades and holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations for Best Director, with twelve, winning three times for Mrs. Miniver, The Best Years of Our Lives and Ben-Hur, all three of which also won Best Picture. He directed more Oscar-nominated performances than any other director in history, with thirty-six of his actors nominated and fourteen winning. His other notable films include Dodsworth, Wuthering Heights, The Letter, Roman Holiday, Friendly Persuasion and Funny Girl. Known for his exacting, multiple-take approach, he earned the nickname forty-take Wyler and was regarded as an actors' director who drew career-best performances from established stars. He received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award, the AFI Life Achievement Award and the Directors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, and died in Beverly Hills in 1981.