Richard Rodney Bennett Dead: Oscar-Nominated Composer Dies At 76

Oscar-Nominated Composer Dies At 76

Oscar-nominated composer Sir Richard Rodney Bennett died on Dec. 24, the Guardian reports. He was 76 years old.

Bennett received Oscar nominations for his work scoring "Murder on the Orient Express," "Nicholas and Alexandra," and "Far from the Madding Crowd." He was also nominated for two Grammy awards -- Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special for 1973's "Nicholas and Alexandra" and 1976's "Murder on the Orient Express."

Bennett had an illustrious career, writing scores for films such as "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Equus," and "The Nanny." The English-born composer was honored CBE in 1977, and knighted in 1998.

"He was, I think, the last of his kind," Bennett's publisher, Music Sales Group's Gill Graham said, The Guardian reports. "He wrote 32-bar jazz standards, the most complex serial music, and everything in between."

Bennett reportedly died in New York City.

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