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Martin Ritt

What's After the Movie

Martin Ritt

Martin Ritt (March 2, 1914 – December 8, 1990) was an American director, producer, and actor, active in film, theatre and television. An auteur of socially-conscious dramas and literary adaptations, he was deemed by Stanley Kauffmann as 'one of the most underrated American directors, superbly competent and quietly imaginative'. Ritt started his career with the Federal Theater Project, Group Theatre and was an assistant to Elia Kazan at the Actors Studio. Despite a promising television directing career being cut short by the Second Red Scare, Ritt made his first film Edge of the City (1957). His film 'The Long, Hot Summer' (1958), based on Faulkner’s works, was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, the first of his three nominations.

His film 'Hud' (1963) got him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director, and his 1965 adaptation 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' won the BAFTA Award for Best British Film. His films, 'Sounder' (1972) and 'Norma Rae' (1979), were both nominated for Best Picture Oscars. He directed many notable actors towards Academy Award wins or nominations, such as Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal, Richard Burton, James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander, Sally Field, and Alfre Woodard among others. Four of his films: 'Edge of the City', 'Hud', 'Sounder', 'Norma Rae' have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being 'culturally, historically or aesthetically' significant. Beyond his Hollywood career, Ritt was also an active supporter of human rights, working with a theater group and he continued throughout his life to challenge the status quo and shine a spotlight on inequality and injustice.

8 movies
5 nominations

Biography, Career & Filmography

Learn more about Martin Ritt, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Martin Ritt rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.


Given Name: Martin Ritt

Born: New York City, U.S.

Citizenship: United States

Birthday: March 2, 1914

Occupations: Director, Producer, Actor

Years Active: 1950-1990

Children: 2

Spouses: Adele Ritt

Awards and Nominations Received by Martin Ritt

Explore awards

Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Martin Ritt has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.


27th British Academy Film Awards 1974

Nomination

United Nations Award

Sounder

25th Directors Guild of America Awards 1973

Nomination

Feature Film

Sounder

36th Academy Awards 1964

Nomination

Directing

Hud

16th Directors Guild of America Awards 1964

Nomination

Feature Film

Hud

21st Golden Globe Awards 1964

Nomination

Best Director

Hud

Career Timeline

Track the complete movie timeline of Martin Ritt, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.


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