Legendary Documentarian Frederick Wiseman Dies at 96

The filmmaker, known for his innate curiosity and empathetic approach, directed 45 acclaimed documentaries over nearly 60 years.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Frederick Wiseman, a preeminent documentary filmmaker who won three Emmys and an honorary Oscar for his work, has died at the age of 96. Wiseman produced and directed 45 films from 1967's "Titicut Follies" to 2023's "Menus-Plaisirs — Les Troisgros," which was widely recognized as the best nonfiction film of the year. His observational, empathetic approach to subjects ranging from public institutions to cultural spaces earned him critical acclaim and awards throughout his nearly 60-year career.

Why it matters

Wiseman's death marks the end of an era for documentary filmmaking. His unique style and innate curiosity about the human experience left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing generations of filmmakers. As one of the most respected and awarded documentarians of all time, Wiseman's passing is a significant loss for the film community and audiences who appreciated his thoughtful, immersive approach to storytelling.

The details

Wiseman produced and directed 45 films over the course of his career, beginning with the 1967 documentary "Titicut Follies" about the Bridgewater State Hospital for the Criminally Insane in Massachusetts. His final film, "Menus-Plaisirs — Les Troisgros" about a renowned French restaurant, was widely acclaimed as one of the best nonfiction films of 2023. Wiseman's observational, empathetic style was often mischaracterized as objective, but his work displayed a deep understanding and connection with his subjects, whether they were public institutions, cultural spaces, or intimate human interactions.

  • Wiseman began his filmmaking career in the mid-1960s.
  • His first film, "Titicut Follies," was released in 1967.
  • His final film, "Menus-Plaisirs — Les Troisgros," was released in 2023.
  • Wiseman passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 96.

The players

Frederick Wiseman

A preeminent documentary filmmaker who produced and directed 45 films over the course of his nearly 60-year career. He won three Emmys and an honorary Oscar for his work, which was known for its innate curiosity, empathy, and immersive approach to subjects ranging from public institutions to cultural spaces.

Zipporah Batshaw Wiseman

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

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Wiseman, whose observational approach has often been mischaracterized as objective or omniscient, here drops any pretense to neutrality, so potent and overpowering is his sense of kinship with a fellow artist.”

— Justin Chang (Los Angeles Times)

The takeaway

Frederick Wiseman's passing marks the end of an era for documentary filmmaking. His unique, empathetic approach to storytelling and innate curiosity about the human experience left an indelible mark on the genre, influencing generations of filmmakers. As one of the most respected and awarded documentarians of all time, Wiseman's legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of nonfiction cinema.