"Canadian legend leaves behind a legacy of powerful and diverse films."

Norman Jewison, the Canadian filmmaker who directed some of Hollywood's most iconic films, has died at the age of 97. Jewison's career spanned over six decades, and he is best known for his socially conscious films such as "In the Heat of the Night" (1967) and "Fiddler on the Roof" (1971).

Born in Manitoba, Canada, in 1926, Jewison began his career in television before moving to Hollywood in the 1960s. His early films included the comedies "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" (1966) and "The Cincinnati Kid" (1965).

In 1967, Jewison directed "In the Heat of the Night," a groundbreaking film about racism in the American South. The film starred Sidney Poitier as Virgil Tibbs, a black detective from Philadelphia who is sent to investigate a murder in a small Mississippi town. "In the Heat of the Night" won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Poitier.

Jewison continued to make socially conscious films throughout his career. In 1971, he directed "Fiddler on the Roof," a musical about a Jewish milkman in Russia who tries to hold onto his traditions in the face of change. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it won three Academy Awards, including Best Director for Jewison.

In the 1980s, Jewison directed several romantic comedies, including "Moonstruck" (1987) and "Leap Year" (1985). "Moonstruck" starred Cher as Loretta Castorini, a woman who is engaged to one man but in love with another. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Cher.

Jewison continued to make films until the early 2000s. His last film, "The Statement" (2003), was a thriller about a French war crimes suspect.

Jewison was a recipient of the Order of Canada and a Governor's Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He was also a member of the Directors Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America.

Jewison is triumphantly accompanied by his beloved spouse, Barbara, and their triumvirate of offspring.