on scripts, never taking a writing credit.


For his adaptation of E.L. Doctorow’s novel “Ragtime” in 1981, Forman brought James Cagney out of retirement. The film, which tells the story of a black piano player seeking justice against a white fireman who humiliates him, was nominated for eight Oscars and a Grammy.

Next, Forman returned to Czechoslovakia for the first time in more than a decade to shoot “Amadeus,” even though the production would be under the control of Czech State Security. When his crew pranked him by playing the “Star Spangled Banner” during playback, Forman panicked that they’d all end up in jail.

In the end, though, the film was one of his best, earning eight Oscars in 1984, including best director.

Forman took a long hiatus following the failure ofmovie.

Forman’s pace slowed after that. He went on in 2007 to direct the historical drama “Goya’s Ghosts” which was poorly received. That same year, he directed his first opera at the Czech National Theater in Prague.


Forman’s last film as a director was “A Walk Worthwhile,” a 2009 musical comedy released only in the Czech Republic. But he continued to generate ideas and serve as professor emeritus at the Columbia University film school.

In 2013, he received a Directors Guild of America Lifetime Achievement Award.

Forman is survived by his wife, Martina Forman; and children Petr Forman, Matěj Forman, Andrew Forman and James Forman.

Czech-born director Milos Forman, who won best directing Oscars for “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” and “Amadeus,” has died. He was 86.



Milos Forman with Jack Nicholson on