Oscar-nominated producer Adam Somner dies at 57

Adam Somner | Photo Credit: ANI

Oscar-nominated producer Adam Somner, who worked as an assistant director and producer with renowned filmmakers including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Paul Thomas Anderson, Alejandro Iñárritu and Ridley Scott, has died at the age of 57. He was suffering from thyroid cancer. In Studio City.

Somner’s most recent project was as producer and assistant director on Anderson’s upcoming Warner Bros. film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. He was also part of the production team of Anderson . Licorice Pizzawhich earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination.

Born in the United Kingdom, Somner began his career assisting on films who Framed Roger Rabbit? Before the change in assistant directorship. He served as third assistant director to Spielberg. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and collaborated with Spielberg on several films, including West Side Story, ready player one, lincoln, munichAnd war of the Worlds,

Spielberg paid tribute to Somner, saying, “The job title ‘Assistant Director’ is inadequate to convey what Adam Somner was to me and what he contributed to my films – just as my left hand is my right assistant. He worked as an AD and a producer with equal dedication. He loved being on the set. He was a cheerleader. And there was the ball carrier, and at times I couldn’t tell if he was following my lead or I was following his.

Spielberg added, “He made everyone on the crew feel like they were part of the family. He was a cohesive man, and when things were not going according to plan, his English working intelligence and humor could solve the problem with his hushed banter, laughter and a backup plan, as he always seemed to have. . He was an icon in his field and an inspiration to anyone pursuing a career in film production – a blend of creativity and organization. Returning to work will never be the same without Adam.

Somner also collaborated in films with Ridley Scott. black Hawk Down, Kingdom of heavenAnd the Gladiatoramong others. He is survived by his wife, Carmen Ruiz de Huidobro; his children, Olivia and Bosco; and his brother, Mark Somner, Diversity Informed.