Art director and production designer Les Dilley, Oscar winner for A New Hope and Raiders of the Lost Ark, has passed away aged 84. One of the key figures in defining the looks of the worlds of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Alien and Superman, he would work with iconic directors including James Cameron, Ridley Scott, John Landis and Mimi Leader as well as his work for Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Irvin Kershner on Never Say Never Again and The Empire Strikes Back, which earned him another art direction nomination. Dilley’s family released this statement regarding his passing on 20th may due to complications from Alzheimers.
“Les’s legacy lives on in the many iconic films he helped bring to life for over six decades and in his family home he personally built as an homage to his work. His love for the motion picture business was evident to the very end. When he wasn’t on set, he enjoyed constructing things in his workshop at home, playing ice hockey, and a good cup of tea. In addition to his incredible work ethic, quirky British humor, and love of life, he was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be greatly missed.”
Dilley worked on 100 film and TV projects over his 60 year career, with his biggest credits being Raiders of the Lost Ark and Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, for which he earned Academy Award trophies for best art direction. That brought him on set to work with Hollywood directors like George Lucas, James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Irvin Kershner, John Landis and Mimi Leader.
Dilley was also nominated for best art direction for Alien, The Empire Strikes Back and The Abyss. In 2020, Dilley was honored with a BAFTA Award for his contribution to British cinema.
Dilley is survived by his wife of 38 years, Leslie Lykes Dilley, their four children, Sophia Dilley, Leslie John Dilley II, Ivory Dilley and Leslie John III, and a daughter, Georgia Dilley, from his marriage to Amanda Dilley. Our sincerest condiolences from the team here at Fantha Tracks to his family, friends and many admirers.
