Anthony Minghella: 1954-2008

Anthony Minghella, Oscar-winning director and accomplished screenwriter, has passed away at 54. Perhaps known best for directing The English Patient, Minghella led a long and illustrious career, which included his work on The Talented Mr. Ripley and Cold Mountain, as well as extensive writing for the stage, television and radio. His most recent project took him to Botswana, where he was filming The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, an adaptation from the novel by Alexander McCall Smith.

According to his spokesperson (and reported by Bloomberg.com), the British filmmaker was taken to Charing Cross Hospital in London after he suffered a fatal hemorrhage early today. He had undergone neck surgery last week.

Minghella won his best director Oscar for The English Patient, which also won best picture, as well as seven more Academy Awards. He held a position as chairman of the British Film Institute until recently, when he stepped down. Minghella also partnered with Sydney Pollack in Mirage Enterprises. He will be missed.

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