A key filmmaker of Hollywood’s Golden Age, William Wyler holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations for Best Director—twelve in total, with three wins. His perfectionism earned him the nickname “Forty yakes Willy”. From Jezebel to Ben-Hur, including Roman Holiday and Mrs Miniver , his films are deeply embedded in the memory of cinephiles worldwide. However, the young critics of the French New Wave denied him the status of an auteur, as he deliberately moved between genres, constantly reinventing himself.

Born in 1902 in Mulhouse, in Alsace—then annexed by Germany—he never forgot his roots. During World War II, he did not hesitate to enlist in the U.S. Army’s film unit to fight against the Nazi regime. After losing his hearing, he drew inspiration from his experience to create his most personal film, The Best Years of Our Lives, which tackled the struggles of post-traumatic stress disorder among returning soldiers.

Beyond portraying an extraordinary career, William Wyler, 40 takes willy  is a richly documented portrait, featuring exclusive family archives, of a man who always fought for freedom.