Person · Director
William A. Wellman
A visionary director and daring pilot, William A. Wellman soars through the skies of Hollywood and war, crafting groundbreaking films that redefine aviation and cinema.
- Also:
- Writer
- Producer
In short · Directed for 11 decades — 81 credits, 1 Academy Award win.
Remembered for
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Biography
William Augustus Wellman was an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and actor, as well as a military pilot. He is best known for his work in the crime, adventure, and action genres, often incorporating aviation themes that reflected his personal passion. Wellman also directed several acclaimed satirical comedies. His 1927 film *Wings* holds historical significance as the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture at the inaugural Academy Awards ceremony.
Filmography · 80 of 80
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Director
75 credits
Lafayette Escadrille(1958)
Director
Film
Darby's Rangers(1958)
Director
Film
Good-bye, My Lady(1956)
Director
Film
Blood Alley(1955)
Director
Film
Track of the Cat(1954)
Director
Film
The High and the Mighty(1954)
Director
Film
Island in the Sky(1953)
Director
Film
My Man and I(1952)
Director
Film
Across the Wide Missouri(1951)
Director
Film
Westward the Women(1951)
Director
Film
The Happy Years(1950)
Director
Film
The Next Voice You Hear...(1950)
Director
Film
Battleground(1949)
Director
Film
Yellow Sky(1948)
Director
Film
The Iron Curtain(1948)
Director
Film
Magic Town(1947)
Director
Film
Gallant Journey(1946)
Director
Film
This Man's Navy(1945)
Director
Film
Story of G.I. Joe(1945)
Director
Film
Buffalo Bill(1944)
Director
Film
Lady of Burlesque(1943)
Director
Film
The Ox-Bow Incident(1943)
Director
Film
Thunder Birds: Soldiers of the Air(1942)
Director
Film
Roxie Hart(1942)
Director
Film
Reaching for the Sun(1941)
Director
Film
The Great Man's Lady(1941)
Director
Film
The Light That Failed(1939)
Director
Film
Beau Geste(1939)
Director
Film
Men with Wings(1938)
Director
Film
A Star Is Born(1937)
Director
Film
Writer
3 credits
Actor
2 credits
Awards & Nominations
1 win · 3 nominationsAcademy Awards
- Nom1954Oscar — Directing
- Nom1949Oscar — Directing
- Won1937Oscar — Writing (original Story)
- Nom1937Oscar — Directing
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Additional credits1Show
Non-headline appearances — talk-show, awards-show, panel, and archive-footage credits, kept separate from the main filmography.
- The Making of a Legend: Gone with the WindSelf · 1988
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