Anthony Minghella (1954-2008) was a British film director, screenwriter, and playwright of Italian descent. After starting his career as a playwright and television screenwriter, he achieved international recognition with his debut film *Truly, Madly, Deeply* (1990). His definitive breakthrough came with *The English Patient* (1996), a romantic epic that triumphed at the Academy Awards, winning him the Oscar for Best Director. His career continued with acclaimed works such as *The Talented Mr. Ripley* (1999), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, and the epic *Cold Mountain* (2003). Known for his refined literary adaptations and profound visual sensibility, he received numerous other accolades throughout his career, including two BAFTA Awards. His career was cut short by his death in 2008.