Mumbai. Director Walter Mirisch, who made classic films like ‘Some Like It Hot’, ‘West Side Story’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night’, passed away. Walter was 101 years old. He won the Oscar Award in the Best Picture category for a film released in the year 1967. Walter was 101 and died of natural causes on Friday in Los Angeles, according to a statement from the academy’s CEO Bill Kramer and its president Janet Yang.

The statement further said “Walter Mirisch was a true visionary as a filmmaker and an industry leader. He served for many years as President of the Academy and as an Academy Governor. His passion for filmmaking and the Academy never diminished, and he remains a dear friend and mentor. We offer our love and support to his family at this sad time.”

Walter Mirisch received his first Oscar in 1967

Walter Mirisch received the Oscar Award in the Best Picture category for the film ‘In the Heat of the Night’ released in 1967. Walter and his brothers’ company produced ‘The Apartment’ and ‘West Side Story’. These films won the Oscar Award in the Best Film category. He served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1973 to 1977.

Walter Mirisch was awarded the Honorary Oscar Award twice.

Walter Mirisch was awarded the Honorary Oscar Award in 1978 and 1983 for his work and efforts on humanitarian aspects. As a producer, Mirisch included top class directors like Billy Wilder and Norman Jewison in his team and asked them to make films in their style.