The celebrated British cinematographer Billy Williams, who won an Oscar for his work on Gandhi (1982), died at the age of 96. British Cinematographer magazine confirmed his death, but they haven't revealed what caused it.
With his remarkable ability to combine light, emotion, and storytelling in a wide variety of films, Williams captivated audiences and inspired innumerable filmmakers over the course of his five-decade career.
Billy Williams was born in Walthamstow, London, in 1929, according to Mybigplunge. His father, a documentarian during the war, introduced him to the world of film and stoked his interest in it. By the time he was 14, Williams was helping his father, learning the technical know-how and storytelling skills required of cinematography.
Williams began his career as a photographer in the Royal Air Force before moving into documentary filmmaking for the Ministry of Transport. His debut in feature films was made possible by this experience.
San Ferry Ann, a 1965 comedy, marked his early breakthrough, but it was his work with director Ken Russell on Women in Love (1969) that brought him widespread acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination.
Richard Attenborough's iconic Gandhi marked the apex of Williams' career. Despite experiencing health issues during filming in India, he won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography in 1983 for his vivid and moving visual storytelling that encapsulated Gandhi's life and hardships.
In addition to his Oscar victory, Williams' work appeared in films such as The Wind and the Lion, Voyage of the Damned, and The Exorcist (1973). He received lifetime achievement awards, received multiple BAFTA nominations during his career, and was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2009.
Williams also dedicated himself to mentoring aspiring cinematographers, sharing his profound love for the art.
Reflecting on his career, he once said, “I’ve had the most rewarding job imaginable.” His masterful work behind the camera remains a beacon for generations of filmmakers and cinephiles alike, ensuring his influence will endure within the world of cinema for years to come.
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