**Peter Finch (1916-1977)** was an influential Australian-born British actor, known for his versatility and the intensity of his performances. His film career spanned various genres, distinguishing him through his ability to infuse depth and complexity into characters who were often tormented, intellectual, or authoritative.

Among his most celebrated performances were the role of Dr. Daniel Hirsh in *Sunday Bloody Sunday* (1971), for which he received a BAFTA, and especially that of Howard Beale, the obsessed television news anchor in *Network* (1976). For the latter, Finch posthumously received the Academy Award for Best Actor, becoming the first person to achieve this recognition after his death. Other notable roles include those in *The Trials of Oscar Wilde* (1960) and *Far from the Madding Crowd* (1967).