Robert Benton, Oscar-Winning Writer-Director of Kramer vs. Kramer, Dies at 92

New York City, USA: Robert Benton, the celebrated filmmaker behind Kramer vs. Kramer, died at age 92 of complications related to dementia. His writing and directing won him multiple Academy Awards, starting with co-writing Bonnie and Clyde in 1967—a film that helped usher in a new American cinematic era. Benton later directed Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), which won five Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay for Benton. Known for empathetic, character-driven storytelling, he earned additional acclaim for Places in the Heart and Nobody’s Fool. Colleagues and fans remember him as a quiet innovator who shaped intimate dramas resonating across generations. Benton leaves behind his wife Sally, two children, and a legacy of award-winning films.