#27: Filmmaker, John Ford

One of Hollywood’s greatest filmmakers, John Ford shaped cinema with his bold storytelling and visual style. He directed classics like The Grapes of Wrath and The Searchers, leaving a lasting mark on the Western genre. He holds the record in that category with four Academy Awards for Best Director.

Ford’s signature techniques set him apart—he often worked with a trusted cast, favored real locations over studio sets, and used sweeping long shots to capture the grandeur of the American West. His influence remains strong, inspiring generations of directors and cementing his place in film history.