Renowned British cinematographer Billy Williams, who won Academy Award for Gandhi (1982), has passed away at 96.

British Cinematographer magazine confirmed his death, although the reason has not been revealed yet.

Williams’ on-screen heritage is more than half a century-long, inspiring generations with his stunning capacity to weave light, emotion, and narrative together in a wide variety of films.

William’s Early Life

As reported by Mybigplunge, Billy was born in Walthamstow, London, in 1929. Williams was brought into film-making by his father, a wartime documentarian. By the age of 14, he was already helping his father out as an assistant, learning the technical and storytelling aspects of cinematography.

Following his time in the Royal Air Force as a photographer, Williams started filming documentaries for the Ministry of Transport, which opened the doors for him to feature films.

His breakthrough came with the 1965 comedy San Ferry Ann, and shortly afterward, he made his international name known by working with director Ken Russell on Women in Love (1969), for which he received his first Oscar nomination.

Defining Moment: Gandhi

Williams’ crowning achievement came with Richard Attenborough’s epic Gandhi. Despite health setbacks during filming in India, his vivid portrayal of Gandhi’s life earned him the 1983 Academy Award for Best Cinematography.

A Lasting Influence on Cinema

Aside from his Academy Award, Williams wrote for films such as The Exorcist (1973), Voyage of the Damned, and The Wind and the Lion. He was nominated for several BAFTAs, received lifetime achievement awards, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2009.

Williams also mentored young cinematographers, passing on his love for the craft. “I’ve had the most rewarding job imaginable,” he once reflected. His artistry behind the camera will continue to illuminate cinema for future generations.