Renowned art director Les Dilley, known for his work on 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones,' passes away at the age of 84.
A Peek into Les Dilley's Iconic Cinematic Journey
In the vibrant world of filmmaking, the name Les Dilley shines as a beacon of creativity and artistry. The award-winning production designer and art director left an indelible mark on cinema, with a career spanning over six decades. Born on July 11, 1941, in Rhondda, Wales, Dilley's journey began at the tender age of 15, with a construction and plastering apprenticeship at the Associated British Picture Corporation.
His initial foray into the industry was as a plaster worker on films like From Russia With Love in 1963. He then ascended the ranks to become an assistant art director on projects like Jesus Christ Superstar and Kelly's Heroes. His big break came in 1973 as an art director for the film Three Musketeers and its sequel.
In 1977, Dilley joined the UK team for Star Wars: A New Hope, contributing to the creation of iconic components such as R2-D2, the sandcrawler, and Luke's landspeeder. His dedication to detail and innovative approach continued in the sequel, Empire Strikes Back, earning him an Oscar nomination.
The 80s saw Dilley's creative prowess extend to films like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Alien, and Superman, for which he earned another Oscar nomination. His work on An American Werewolf in London was just as impressive, and his production designer credits span a diverse range of films like The Abyss, Exorcist III, and Invaders From Mars.
While Abyss, Empire, and Alien each earned him Oscar nods, New Hope and Raiders earned him wins for Best Art Direction, shares with fellow art director Norman Reynolds. Reynolds, who passed away in 2023, was a close collaborator in Dilley's career.
After retiring from the industry in 2017, following the end of his work on the British kids' show Teacup Travels, Dilley was honored with an Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award by the British Academy Cymru Awards in 2020. His contributions were praised by industry giants like George Lucas, Ridley Scott, and others who had worked with him over the years.
Les Dilley is survived by his wife Leslie and five children. His legacy "lives on in the many iconic films he helped bring to life, in his family home he personally built as an homage to his work, and in the hearts of those who knew him," his family said in a statement.
[via The Hollywood Reporter]
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Les Dilley's impact on the entertainment industry extends beyond filmmaking, with technology publications like Gizmodo and io9 discussing his work in the context of the future of film and technology. His contributions to movies like Star Wars, Alien, and Raiders of the Lost Ark have shaped the landscape of movies-and-tv. In the realm of science fiction and beyond, Dilley's innovations continue to provide inspiration for a new generation exploring the frontiers of entertainment.
