Michael Cimino Dead - 'Deer Hunter' Director Dies at 77

Michael Cimino, the director of the classic movie The Deer Hunter, has died at age 77.

The news was revealed by Cannes Film Festival director Thierry Fremaux on Twitter. “Michael Cimino has died, in peace, surrounded by friends and the two women who love him. We love him too,” he wrote in French.

The filmmaker won two Oscars for his work on the film – Best Director and Best Picture as a producer. His next film was the infamous Heaven’s Gate, which was one of the biggest movie disasters of all time and led to the demise of its studio United Artists. A restoration of the full uncut movie in 2012 changed a lot of critics’ perception of the film.

We send our thoughts and condolences to Michael‘s loved ones during this difficult time.