Acclaimed Documentary Filmmaker Frederick Wiseman Dies at 96

Wiseman was known for his unflinching portrayals of social institutions in the U.S. and France.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Frederick Wiseman, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker behind iconic works like "Titicut Follies" and "Ex Libris," has died at the age of 96 at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Wiseman was praised for his fiercely independent and sweeping cinematic records of contemporary social institutions and ordinary human experience, often exposing fissures in the systems he documented.

Why it matters

Wiseman's films were groundbreaking in their unflinching and immersive approach to capturing the inner workings of public institutions. His death marks the end of an era for documentary filmmaking, as he was one of the most influential and respected figures in the genre.

The details

Wiseman began his filmmaking career in his 30s, with his debut "Titicut Follies" in 1967. Over the following decades, he continued to produce acclaimed documentaries that delved into the daily lives and experiences of people in various public institutions, from hospitals to libraries. His most recent project was 2023's "Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troisgros," which explored the renowned French restaurant Le Bois sans feuilles.

  • Wiseman passed away peacefully at his home in Cambridge, Massachusetts, early in the morning of February 16, 2026.
  • Wiseman's wife of 65 years, Zipporah Batshaw Wiseman, died in 2021.

The players

Frederick Wiseman

A prolific documentary filmmaker known for his unflinching portrayals of social institutions in the United States and France. He directed iconic films such as "Titicut Follies" and "Ex Libris" and was recognized with numerous awards, including four Emmys and an honorary Oscar.

Zipporah Batshaw Wiseman

Wiseman's wife of 65 years, who passed away in 2021.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

A private funeral service for Wiseman's immediate family will take place, and a celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. The family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, well-wishers should support their local PBS affiliate or independent bookstore in Wiseman's memory.

The takeaway

Frederick Wiseman's passing marks the end of an era for documentary filmmaking. His unflinching and immersive approach to capturing the inner workings of public institutions left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring generations of filmmakers to come.