Directed 3 actresses to Oscar nominations: Edith Evans (Best Supporting Actress, The Chalk Garden (1964)), Maggie Smith (Best Actress, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)), and Shelley Winters (Best Supporting Actress, The Poseidon Adventure (1972)). Smith won an Oscar for her performance.
Directed Gordon Jackson three times.
Educated at the University College School and Hurstpierpoint College.
Father-in-law of Sally-ann Neame.
Financial difficulties arose for the family after the death of his father, Elwin Neame, in 1923. As a result, he was forced to leave public school to look for a job. He found one at the newly opened Elstree Studios. This started him on his way to being a film director.
Former father-in-law of Caroline Langley.
He is survived by his grandson, Gareth Neame, of London, England; son Christopher Neame of Avignon, France; and his wife, Donna Friedberg.
He represented the second of four generations in the genre of cinema and television. He was the elder son of the photographer Elwin Neame and the actress Ivy Close. His brother Derek Neame scripted several films. He led a distinguished career as a cinematographer, screenwriter, producer and director. His son Christopher Neame and grandson Gareth Neame have carved successful careers as producers.
He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1996 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to the film industry.
In 2003, the British Film Institute called him "a living embodiment" of cinema, and "a sort of one-man world heritage site.".
Member of the jury at the Venice Film Festival in 1962