Barbara Ling, Oscar-Winning Production Designer for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Passes Away at 73
Barbara Ling, a distinguished production designer renowned for her work in film, passed away at the age of 73 following a battle with cancer. According to a media source, Ling died in Santa Barbara, California, a fitting location for the Los Angeles native who dedicated her life to recreating the essence of her hometown in cinema.
Over a career that spanned more than four decades, Ling made significant contributions to various cinematic genres, notably winning an Academy Award for Best Production Design for her role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” In this 2019 film, she masterfully recreated the vibrant streets of Los Angeles circa 1969, a task that Tarantino emphasized must be realized without reliance on digital effects. Ling’s collaboration with set decorator Nancy Haigh was instrumental in achieving an authentic look and feel, perfectly encapsulating the era’s spirit.
Born in August 1952, Ling began her artistic journey in theater, designing sets and lighting for over 200 productions, including HBO’s “The Pee-Wee Herman Show.” This early experience provided her with the foundational skills needed for a successful transition into filmmaking. Her initial foray into feature films came when she designed David Byrne’s “True Stories” in 1986, marking the onset of a prolific career where she showcased her versatility with projects ranging from contemporary dramas to stylized fantasies.
Ling’s impressive portfolio also includes influential films such as “Falling Down,” “Batman Forever,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” and “Hearts in Atlantis.” In addition to her work on “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” her recent projects included Marc Forster’s “A Man Called Otto” and Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming biopic “Michael.”
A passionate advocate for historical preservation, Ling expressed concerns about the ongoing transformation of Los Angeles. She lamented the city’s prioritization of modern infrastructure over its historical fabric, stating that the authenticity sought in her Oscar-winning work may soon become unattainable.
Ling’s legacy endures through her innovative designs and the memories she created on screen. Survivors include her wife, Lindsay, and their two sons, Clay and Will, who will undoubtedly carry on her artistic spirit.
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