Sidney Lumet

Full Name: Sidney Arthur Lumet
Profession: Film Director and Screenwriter

Nationality:

Biography: Sidney Lumet was an American director, producer, and screenwriter who earned multiple Academy Award nominations over the course of his career and directed classics such as 12 Angry Men(1957), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), and Network (1976).

Lumet's early years were steeped in performance, with his parents being part of the Yiddish theatre. He appeared on stage from a young age and served in World War II. After the war, Lumet directed in theater and television before moving into film.

His directorial film debut came with 12 Angry Men (1957), a courtroom drama that set the tone for his career. Lumet directed over 40 films, often focusing on moral dilemmas and social critique. His notable works include The Pawnbroker (1964), Murder on the Orient Express (1974), and his final film, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007). In 2004, the Academy honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Known for a realistic visual style, Lumet shot frequently on location in New York. He valued rehearsals and was considered an actor's director for his collaborative approach. His films often featured characters confronting or corrupted by institutions.

Lumet was married four times and had two daughters, Amy and Jenny. He passed away in 2011, but his films continue to be influential and relevant. The Sidney Lumet Award for Integrity in Entertainment was named in his honor.

Born: June 25, 1924
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: April 9, 2011 (aged 86)
Cause of Death: Lymphoma