R.I.P. Albert Finney (1936-2019)

Albert Finney in Tom Jones

On February 7, 2019, actor Albert Finney passed away at the age of 82 in London, England. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has done acclaimed work on stage in Shakespeare productions as well as headlining Oscar-winning films including Tom Jones. Over a career spanning 60 years, he has continually proven himself to be a charismatic performer, complimenting his co-stars and elevating productions ranging from romance (Two for the Road), mystery (Murder on the Orient Express), and legal dramas (Erin Brockovich). His career knew no bounds and saw him willing to try anything in favor of enhancing the cinematic experience. There's few who could claim to have a career full of as many highs as he did. His work will continue to live on as new audiences discover the magic that he brings to every role he every did.

R.I.P. Lewis Gilbert (1920-2018)

Lewis Gilbert

On February 23, 2018, director Lewis Gilbert died at the age of 97 in Monaco. Over a career spanning 60 years, he has continued to reinvent himself and work on exciting projects ranging from the film Alfie to three of the James Bond franchise's most successful and iconic films. He leaves behind a filmography that is unmatched in its diversity, capturing an excitement for what the medium can bring to entertainment. Even in his later years, he would produce memorable films like Educating Rita. Still, no matter what he would become known for, he brought a personality to his work that made him one of the most celebrated British directors of his generation. 

R.I.P. Frank Finlay (1928-2016)

Frank Finlay in Othello

On January 30, 2016 at the age of 89, actor Frank Finlay died in Weybridge, England from heart failure. Having worked in stage, movie, and TV, he remained a frequent actor until 2009 when he retired. He is likely best known for starring opposite Laurence Olivier in the screen adaptation of Othello. His other credits include appearances in The Longest Day, Bouquet of Barbed Wire, and Roman Polanski's The Pianist. What he leaves behind is an impressive career spanning over 50 years as a character actor who complimented his supporting cast very well. 

Nothing But the Best: "Hamlet" (1948)

Laurence Olivier

Welcome to the series Nothing But the Best in which I chronicle all of the Academy Award Best Picture winners as they celebrate their anniversaries. Instead of going in chronological order, this series will be presented on each film's anniversary and will feature personal opinions as well as facts regarding its legacy and behind the scenes information. The goal is to create an in depth essay for each film while looking not only how the medium progressed, but how the film is integral to pop culture. In some cases, it will be easy. Others not so much. Without further ado, let's start the show.

Nothing But the Best: "Rebecca" (1940)

Left to right: Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier

Welcome to the series Nothing But the Best in which I chronicle all of the Academy Award Best Picture winners as they celebrate their anniversaries. Instead of going in chronological order, this series will be presented on each film's anniversary and will feature personal opinions as well as facts regarding its legacy and behind the scenes information. The goal is to create an in depth essay for each film while looking not only how the medium progressed, but how the film is integral to pop culture. In some cases, it will be easy. Others not so much. Without further ado, let's start the show.