Gabriel Axel

Gabriel Axel was a Danish film director and screenwriter. Born in Copenhagen in 1918, he began his career as an actor, appearing in several Danish films before turning to directing. His first feature film, Babette’s Feast (1987), won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and the BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language.

Axel studied literature and philosophy at the University of Copenhagen, and after graduating began working as an actor and assistant director. He acted in several films in the 1940s and 50s, and then directed his first film, A Man Comes Home, in 1958. His second feature, The Red Mantle (1964), was entered into the 14th Berlin International Film Festival.

In the 1970s, Axel directed several films, including The Crossroads (1971) and A Sunday in September (1973). The 1980s saw the release of several of his most acclaimed films, including Babette’s Feast, which won the Oscar and BAFTA awards. He also directed the popular comedy-drama Pelle the Conqueror (1988), which won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival that year.

Axel continued to work in the 1990s, directing television films and documentaries in addition to feature films. In 1997, he directed the historical drama Adam’s Apples, which was entered into the 47th Berlin International Film Festival. His last film was the comedy-drama A Somewhat Gentle Man (2010).

Throughout his career, Axel was noted for his humanist approach to filmmaking. He was a master of cinematic storytelling, crafting stories that explored themes of morality and identity. He also had a unique style of directing, combining visual beauty with psychological depth.

Axel died in Copenhagen in 2014 at the age of 95. His films have been praised for their artistry, and he is remembered as one of the most influential and acclaimed directors of his time.