International - Globescan

Robert Altman dead

LOS ANGELES : Oscar-winning director Robert Altman has died, it was reported Tuesday. He was 81. Altman, the creator of a string of classic Hollywood satires including M-A-S-H, The Player and Gosford Park, died at a Los Angeles hospital on Monday, CNN said. The cause of death was not revealed. Altman directed 86 films during a 55-year career that was characterised by his quirky and caustic view of America. He received seven Academy Award nominations throughout his career but had to wait until this year's Oscars to take home a gold statue. His subversive musical comedy ``Prairie Home Companion'' was released in the U.S. this year. Altman, famed for his eclectic work, was nominated for best director's Oscar five times — for ``Gosford Park'' (2001), ``M-A-S-H'' (1970), ``Nashville'' (1975), ``The Player'' (1992) and ``Short Cuts'' (1993).

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