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Oscar-nominated producer Adam Somner, a highly sought-after first assistant director for many years, passed away on November 27 due to anaplastic thyroid cancer at the age of 57.

Somner was the preferred assistant director for renowned filmmakers including Steven Spielberg (10 films), Paul Thomas Anderson (six), and Ridley Scott (six). He frequently collaborated with Scott’s brother Tony, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and James Mangold. His latest projects included Martin Scorsese’s *Killers of the Flower Moon*, Steve McQueen’s *Blitz*, and Anderson’s forthcoming untitled Warner Bros. film featuring Leonardo DiCaprio.

With over 75 assistant director credits in features, shorts, and music videos, Somner and producer Sara Murphy received an Oscar nomination for their work on Anderson’s 2022 film *Licorice Pizza*.

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Somner’s extensive filmography includes Best Picture Oscar winners *Birdman* and *Gladiator*, as well as Spielberg’s *West Side Story*, *Lincoln*, *Munich*, *War Horse*, and two *Indiana Jones* sequels; Scott’s *Black Hawk Down*, *G.I. Jane*, and *Kingdom of Heaven*; and Anderson’s *There Will Be Blood*, *Inherent Vice*, and *The Master*.

He also worked on notable films by other prominent directors such as James Mangold’s *Ford v. Ferrari*, Robert Redford’s *Lions for Lambs*, Tony Scott’s *Man on Fire* and *Spy Game*, Stephen Frears’ *My Beautiful Laundrette*, Kenneth Branagh’s *Henry V*, and Richard Attenborough’s *Shadowlands*. Somner contributed to TV series like *The Hunger*, *The Governor*, *Spender*, and *The Wanderer*.

Spielberg described Somner as more than just an assistant director, noting his dual role as AD and producer. He emphasized Somner’s passion for filmmaking and his ability to foster a sense of family among the crew. Spielberg remarked on Somner’s wit and humor, which helped ease tension on set, and expressed that returning to work without him would be a profound loss.

During a 2020 AFI Conservatory Q&A, Somner stated, “A good AD should gauge the mood of the set and adjust accordingly.”

One of his notable achievements was managing the elaborate airplane orgy scene in *The Wolf of Wall Street*, where he meticulously choreographed the actors to ensure a comfortable environment.

Scorsese credited Somner as essential to the success of *The Wolf of Wall Street* and *Killers of the Flower Moon*, highlighting his organizational skills and artistic vision.

Anderson also honored Somner, stating that his love for filmmaking was unparalleled and that he made everyone feel secure on set. He praised Somner’s ability to anticipate challenges and creatively manage logistics.

Somner received the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement/Feature Film for his work on *The Revenant* and was nominated for Producers Guild and BAFTA Awards for *Licorice Pizza*.

He is survived by his wife Carmen Ruiz de Huidobro, children Olivia and Bosco, and brother Mark Somner.

A DGA scholarship in Somner’s name will be established, with further details forthcoming.

Watch Somner and Murphy discuss *Licorice Pizza* with Deadline’s Anthony D’Alessandro during a 2022 Contenders panel below:

Person

Adam Somner, Steven Spielberg, Paul Thomas Anderson, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, James Mangold, Martin Scorsese, Leonardo Di Caprio, Sara Murphy, Robert Redford, Kenneth Branagh, Richard Attenborough, Carmen Ruiz de Huidobro, Olivia Somner, Bosco Somner, Mark Somner

Company Names

Warner Bros.

Titles

Killers of the Flower Moon, Blitz, Licorice Pizza, Birdman, Gladiator, West Side Story, Lincoln, Munich, Warhorse, Indiana Jones, Black Hawk Down, G.I. Jane, Kingdom of Heaven, There Will Be Blood, Inherent Vice, The Master, Ford v. Ferrari, Lions for Lambs, Man of Fire, Spy Game, May Reilly, Henry V, Shadowland, The Hunger, The Governor, Spender, The Wanderer, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Revenant

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