Oscar-winning filmmaker and director, D.A Pennebaker, has died at the age of 94. His son, Frazer Pennebaker, confirmed last night that he died on August 1 from natural causes.
The famed cinematographer is known for his Bob Dyland documentary “Don’t Look Back” (1967)— which followed the singer to England in 1965— “Monterey Pop” (1968) and “The War Room” (1993) and “Elaine Stritch at Liberty” (2002). His many other films include the 1973 David Bowie concert film “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars,” 1989 Depeche Mode road movie “101” and “Down From the Mountain” (2000).
He and his wife, Chris Hegedus, were both nominated for an Oscar in 1994 for best documentary for “The War Room”— an incredible behind the scenes look at Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign. The couple— who made most of their films in the past several decades together— also won an Emmy award for outstanding directing for a variety, music or comedy program for the documentary “Elaine Stritch at Liberty”.
His last film, “Unlocking The Cage”, released in 2016, dealt with animal rights and legal appeals for personhood.
Following news of his death, dozens of fans and celebrities took to Twitter to praise the trailblazing director for paving the way for future documentary makers.
“D.A. Pennebaker will be missed. A lovely man and incredible documentarian who understood the value of getting out of the way and letting his subjects be the stars,” American television host Seth Meyers wrote on Twitter.
“D.A. Pennebaker shot one of the first and arguably still the best music video with Dylan in “Don’t Look Back,” one Twitter user wrote. “So much respect to this bold and influential filmmaker. Rest in peace,” another added.
The beloved Hollywood filmmaker is survived b his wife Chris, his eight children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
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