Arthur Cohn, Oscar-Winning Film Producer, Dies at 98
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A celebrated figure in international cinema, Arthur Cohn, a multiple Oscar winner, passed away on Friday at the age of 98, his family announced in an obituary. Cohn died after a short illness, surrounded by loved ones in Jerusalem, according to reports from the Jewish weekly “Tachles.”
A Life Dedicated to Cinema
Cohn’s career spanned decades and continents, establishing him as a prominent film producer in Hollywood, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. He leaves behind a legacy of impactful storytelling and a commitment to bringing diverse narratives to the screen. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday evening local time, immediately following the end of Shabbat, and will be accessible to the public via a live broadcast on YouTube.
Oscar Recognition and Industry Firsts
Throughout his illustrious career, Cohn accumulated an impressive six Oscars for his film productions. Notable wins included the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film for both “The Garden of the Finzi-Contini” (1970), directed by Vittorio de Sica, and “Journey to Hope” (1990), a Swiss production helmed by Xavier Koller. His final Oscar came in 1999 for the powerful documentary “One Day in September” by Kevin Macdonald.
Beyond the Academy Awards, Cohn achieved another significant milestone, becoming the first non-American producer to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was also the recipient of numerous honorary doctorates, including one from the University of Basel, and was bestowed with the insignia of Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters, France’s highest cultural distinction. In 2019, he received a lifetime achievement award in Berlin, recognizing his enduring contributions to the film industry.
From Journalism to the Silver Screen
Born to a lawyer father and a poet and cabaret writer mother, Arthur Cohn’s early life unfolded in Basel, Switzerland, where he completed his education. He began his professional life as a journalist, contributing to the SRF radio program “Echo der Zeit” before transitioning his focus to cinema.
While he spent many years residing in the United States and, more recently, in Israel, Cohn maintained a deep connection to his hometown of Basel. He was a regular presence at the Summer Cinema Open Air on Münsterplatz, where an annual film gala was dedicated to his honor.
Cohn’s passing marks the end of an era for international film, leaving behind a rich tapestry of cinematic achievements and a lasting impact on the industry.
