Manoel de Oliveira

Manoel de Oliveira was a Portuguese film director and screenwriter, who made his first film in 1931. He was the oldest active film director in the world, and the only one whose career spanned from the silent era to the digital age. He was also the most prolific filmmaker in history, having directed more than 60 films in various genres, such as documentaries, dramas, comedies, and adaptations of literary works. He was known for his distinctive style, which combined realism, surrealism, and symbolism, and for his exploration of themes such as history, religion, politics, and human nature. He received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, the Career Golden Lion, the Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement, and the Praemium Imperiale. He was also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the European Film Academy. He died on April 2, 2015, at the age of 106, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence and innovation.