| Director Robert Altman died on Monday evening at the age of 81. Altman, who directed M-A-S-H, Nashville and The Player, passed away in a Los Angeles hospital. The exact cause of death has not been revealed. In 2006, Altman received an award at the Oscars for lifetime achievements. Altman said of his career, "I'M very fortunate. I've never had to direct a film I didn't choose or develop. My love for filmmaking has given me an entree to the world and to the human condition." In the spring his final film, A Prairie Home Companion, will be in cinemas. The director was known for his criticism of Hollywood, and for overcoming alcoholism. He had five children from five different relationships. At the Oscars last year, Altman revealed that he was only alive thanks to a heart transplant. | 
