"L.A. Confidential" film director Curtis Hanson found dead

Movie director Curtis Hanson, who won an Oscar for "L.A Confidential", was found dead in his California home on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Police Department said. He was 71.

AP Photo

Paramedics found Hanson at his Hollywood Hills home at about 5pm (1am on Wednesday in Nigeria). Hanson, who was pronounced dead at the scene, died of natural causes, a police spokeswoman said.


Hanson had retired in recent years due to Alzheimer's, according to Variety.com.

Hanson, along with Brian Helgeland, won an Oscar in 1997 for best writing for their adapted screenplay of "L.A. Confidential," a novel by James Ellroy.

As a producer of the stylish 1997 period film, Hanson also shared the nomination for best picture and was nominated for best director. The film won an Oscar for actress Kim Basinger, and was nominated for cinematography, art direction, sound, editing and score.

Hanson's other films included "The River Wild," "Wonder Boys," "8 Mile" and "In Her Shoes."