We join the film community in mourning the loss of legendary director Joel Schumacher, who passed away today at the age of 80.

In 2014, the Hamptons International Film Festival celebrated Joel Schumacher with the Golden Starfish Lifetime Achievement in Directing Award, presented by HamptonsFilm Advisory Board member Jeffrey Sharp. Renowned for his versatility, style and ability to move seamlessly between film genres with equal popular success and critical acclaim, Schumacher also took part in our A Conversation With series, hosted by Jess Cagle, with surprise special guest and frequent collaborator Kiefer Sutherland.

Known for such iconic fare as ST. ELMO'S FIRE, THE LOST BOYS, COUSINS, FLATLINERS, DYING YOUNG, FALLING DOWN, THE CLIENT, and A TIME TO KILL, Schumacher also directed two installments of the Batman film franchise (BATMAN FOREVER and BATMAN & ROBIN),

As his career entered the 21st century, Schumacher brought audiences the films 8MM, FLAWLESS, TIGERLAND, PHONE BOOTH, BAD COMPANY, VERONICA GUERIN, THE NUMBER 23, TRESSPASS, and his 2004 film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.