Sidney Lumet (1924–2011,) fully Sidney Arthur Lumet, was an American director, producer, and screenwriter. He was noted for nearly 40 psychological dramas, which usually featured characters grappling with moral or emotional conflicts involving betrayal, corruption, or disillusionment.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lumet was the son of parents who worked in the Yiddish theatre. He débuted on Broadway at age 11 in 1935 in Sidney Kingsley’s Dead End. After serving as a radar repairman in the Far East in World War II, he turned to direct, first TV drama before transitioning to the big screen. His début was Reginald Rose’s TV play 12 Angry Men (1957,) starring Henry Fonda and Lee J Cobb.
Lumet was known for eliciting strong performances from his cast members. He received more than 50 Oscar nominations for his films. He was chosen five times for the Academy Award: four for Best Director for 12 Angry Men, Dog Day Afternoon (1975; starring Al Pacino,) Network (1976; starring Peter Finch,) and The Verdict (1982; starring Paul Newman.) He was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for Prince of the City (1981.) The only Academy Award he won was an Honorary Academy Award (2005.)
Lumet was married four times, including to film star Rita Gam and the socialite Gloria Vanderbilt. His autobiography is Making Movies (1995.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Sidney Lumet
All great work is preparing yourself for the accident to happen.
—Sidney Lumet
Topics: Opportunities, Work
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