**Sidney Lumet (1924-2011) was a prolific and versatile American director, whose career spanned over fifty years.**

Born from the theatre, Lumet explored complex social and moral themes, with a particular focus on institutions, justice, and corruption. His style is characterized by raw realism, an often tense pace, and a profound ability to extract memorable performances from his actors.

His masterpieces include the intense courtroom drama "12 Angry Men" (1957), gritty portraits of 1970s New York such as "Serpico" (1973) and "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975), the biting satire on the media world "Network" (1976), and the touching legal drama "The Verdict" (1982). His films often pit individuals against oppressive or corrupt systems, exploring the nuances of human morality.