
Director David Lynch, known for his daring and subversive filmography, has died. The four-time Oscar nominated auteur died on Wednesday after being diagnosed with emphysema. He was 78.
It is with deep regret that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and the artist, David Lynch,” read the statement from Lynch’s family on his social media accounts. “We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us. But, as he would say, “Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.”
“It’s a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way,” the message concluded. With it, a picture of Lynch strumming a guitar with a cigarette on his finger – a common attribute of the director.
Throughout his illustrious career, Lynch made multiple films that explore taboo and provocative subjects with a distinct visual language. His visionary approach gave birth to now-classic films like Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive, Elephant Man, Eraserheads, and many others. On TV, he was also responsible for creating the seminal modern noir series, Twin Peaks, which he fought to make despite the network’s attempt to axe it.
Lynch received Oscar nominations for writing and directing 1980’s The Elephant Man and later, for directing Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet. Long considered too “weird” for the Academy, he finally received an Honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement in 2020. The director was a staple at Cannes, however; having won the Palme d’Or at Cannes for Wild at Heart in 1990 and nabbed the Best Director prize for Mulholland Drive in 2001.
The iconoclastic director was survived by four children: Jennifer, Austin, Riley, and Lula.