LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Arthur Hiller, a former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the director of iconic films including “Love Story,” passed away at the age of 92.
In a statement to the press, current Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved friend Arthur Hiller. I was a member of the Board during his presidency and fortunate enough to witness firsthand his dedication to the Academy and his lifelong passion for visual storytelling. Our condolences go out to his loved ones.”
Hiller served as Academy president from 1993 to 1997. He also served as president of the Directors Guild of America from 1989 to 1993.
Paris Barclay, current president of the Directors Guild of America, also released a statement.
“As Guild president, Arthur was a warm and nurturing father figure who was deeply concerned with the personal and professional well-being of every one of our members,” Barclay wrote.
“Whether lobbying on Capitol Hill for the artistic integrity of filmmakers worldwide, negotiating with the studios to secure health and pension provisions for our families or establishing the first committee to advance opportunities for women and minorities, Arthur’s passion was exemplary and inspiring. Our Guild is stronger because of him, and our hearts go out to his family at this difficult time.”
Along with “Love Story,” Hiller’s film credits include “The Americanization of Emily,” “The In-Laws,” “Silver Streak” and “The Man in the Glass Booth.”
Hiller partnered with screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky in directing the 1971 film, “The Hospital,” a satire starring George C. Scott. The film has been described as a black comedy about disillusionment and chaos within a hospital setting.
In directing the film, Hiller tried to create a sense of action and movement by keeping the camera mobile and using handheld cameras as much as possible. His goal was to have the camera reflect the chaos and confusion taking place in the hospital.
“I’ve always liked that sort of realistic feel,” he said in a news release for the film. “I wanted the feeling that the audience was peeking around the corner.”
Hiller was also a noted television director early in his career, having been nominated for an Emmy in 1962 for his work directing the series “Naked City.”
In 2001 Hiller received the Academy’s Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic commitment to numerous charitable organizations, educational institutions and civil rights groups.
Hiller was preceded in death by his wife Gwen, who passed away in June, also at the age of 92. The two had been married since 1948. They had two children and two grandchildren.
