director Canadian Norman Jewison, author of a filmography that notably includes “ In the Heat of the Night “,” Hurricane housing » and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” died this weekend at the age of 97.

The filmmaker “passed away peacefully on Saturday,” according to a press release from his agent Jeff Sanderson, who says ceremonies in his honor will take place “later in the year.” Los Angeles and to Toronto “.

After his debut on Canadian television, Norman Jewison established himself as one of Canada's most versatile filmmakersHollywood. His numerous films notably earned him three film nominationsOscar for best direction.

A “social” filmmaker

Political satire with “ The Russians are Coming » (1966) to the heist film in “ The Thomas Crown Affair ” (with Steve McQueen1968), through the musical (“Un Violon sur le Toit”, 1971), his work ventures into very different genres.

But in the United States, Norman Jewison is still best known as a filmmaker interested in social issues. In particular thanks to the popular effect of “ In the Heat of the Night “, which won five Oscars in 1967, including Best Picture.

The filmmaker addresses this under the guise of a simple crime film Racial tensions American, founding breach of UNITED STATES.

The director explained: “Films that deal with civil rights and social justice are the ones that are closest to my heart,” the director recalled on Monday. New York Times.

A filmography with a first-class cast

During his long career, Norman Jewison has mentored the biggest names in Hollywood: Sylvester Stallone in “FIST” (1978), Al Pacino in “Justice for All” (1979), or Denzel Washington in “Hurricane Carter” (1999).

He had also worked with the French Gerard Depardieuwhich he directed in “Bogus” (with Whoopi Goldbergin 1996).

Norman Jewison's films received 46 points Oscar nominations in total and have been awarded 12 times! A recipient of the Order of Canada, the highest honor in his country of origin, the filmmaker leaves behind three children and five grandchildren.

20 minutes with AFP