Legendary cinematographer Wexler dies

LOS ANGELES: Legendary cinematographer Haskell Wexler, best known for his work in films like One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and American Graffiti, has died. He was 93. The Oscar winner passed away in his sleep at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California on December 27, reported Deadline.

“It is with great sadness that I have to report that my father, Haskell Wexler, has died,” his son, Oscar-nominated sound man Jeff Wexler, wrote on his website.

“Pop died peacefully in his sleep, Sunday, December 27th, 2015. Accepting the Academy Award in 1967, Pop said: I hope we can use our art for peace and for love. An amazing life has ended but his lifelong commitment to fight the good fight, for peace, for all humanity, will carry on.”

Haskell was known for his work on films like Jane Fondas anti-war classic Coming Home and Sidney Poitiers race drama In the Heat of the Night.

He scored his first Oscar for Elizabeth Taylors 1966 movie Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and struck gold again 10 years later for director Hal Ashbys 1976 Woody Guthrie biopic Bound for Glory.

Haskell’s talent even earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996, making him the first cinematographer to receive the honour in 35 years.