Billy Williams, the acclaimed British cinematographer best known for his Oscar-winning work on Gandhi (1982), has passed away at the age of 96. His death was confirmed by British Cinematographer magazine, though the cause has not been disclosed.
Williams' career spanned more than five decades, marked by a remarkable ability to blend light, emotion, and storytelling across a wide array of films. Born in Walthamstow, London, in 1929, he was introduced to filmmaking early on by his father, a wartime documentarian. By age 14, Williams was already assisting his father, learning both the technical and creative sides of cinematography.
After serving as a photographer in the Royal Air Force, Williams transitioned into filming documentaries for the Ministry of Transport, which paved the way for his move into feature films. His breakthrough came with the 1965 comedy San Ferry Ann, followed by international recognition working with director Ken Russell on Women in Love (1969), earning him his first Oscar nomination.
His defining career moment arrived with Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi. Despite health challenges during filming in India, Williams’ vivid and poetic portrayal of Gandhi’s story won him the 1983 Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
Beyond Gandhi, Williams contributed to iconic films such as The Exorcist (1973), Voyage of the Damned, and The Wind and the Lion. He garnered multiple BAFTA nominations, lifetime achievement honors, and was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2009.
Known for mentoring emerging cinematographers, Williams once reflected, “I’ve had the most rewarding job imaginable.” His legacy as a masterful visual storyteller will continue to inspire generations in the art of cinema.
