Anthony Minghella: Life in pictures
The playwright start
Film director, writer and Oscar-winner Anthony Minghella first made a name for himself writing radio plays. In the early 80s, he started writing for the stage on the fringes of Londons theater scene. He had some commercial success in Londons West End in 1986 with his play Made in Bangkok about the sexual mores of a group of tourists in Thailand. (SHAUN CURRY, AFP / Getty Images)
Enter The English Patient
Minghella wrote and directed an adaptation of Michael Ondaatjes novel The English Patient, about a gravely injured World War II victim who reminisces about the past as he recovers from his wounds. The film, released in 1996, stars Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, and Kristin Scott Thomas. It won nine Oscars, including best director and best picture. (HECTOR MATA, AFP / Getty Images)
Oscar streak continues
In 1999, Minghella wrote and directed his third feature film, The Talented Mr. Ripley with Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law. Based on Patricia Highsmiths book of the same name, the film was nominated for five Oscars, including best adapted screenplay. (Robert Durell / Los Angeles Times)
Three for three
By the time Minghella released Cold Mountain in 2003, Minghella films had become known as sensitive adaptations of literary novels that were often up for Oscar consideration. With a cast full of big names such as Nicole Kidman, Jude Law and Renee Zellweger, Cold Mountain was nominated for seven Oscars; Zellweger won for best supporting actress. (Kote Rodrigo / EPA)
Chairman
Minghella was the chairman of the Board of Governors at the British Film Institute from 2003-2007. The organization promotes appreciation and preservation of English and world cinema. Minghella was appointed to this position by the British Secretary of State, Music, Culture and Sport. (Andreas Altwein / EPA)
Death
On March 18, Minghella died in a London hospital as a result of complications from recent and routine cancer surgery, according to his spokesperson. He was 54. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Choa; son Max, an actor; and daughter Hannah, an executive at Sony Pictures. (CARL DE SOUZA, AFP/Getty Images)
