Andrzej Wajda, Poland’s leading film director, has died at 90

Oscar-winning Polish film director Andrzej Wajda has died at 90, according to Polish media (link in Polish).

Wajda was perhaps the most distinguished and revered Polish director, known for poignantly depicting important moments and periods in the country’s history. Four of his films were nominated for the Academy Award for best foreign film: The Promised Land (1976), The Maids of Wilko (1980), Man of Iron (1982), and Katyn (2008). In 2000, Wajda received an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement.

He was an active filmmaker until his death, with his latest film, Afterimage, entered as a candidate for the foreign language Academy Award just a few weeks before his passing. He was a recipient of multiple other film awards, including the Palme d’Or at Cannes. He was also a theater director.

Wajda was active politically in the anti-Communist opposition in Poland, and he served as a senator during the country’s transition to democracy.