Oscar-award winning director Anthony Minghella died early this morning at the age of 54.

The man who helmed and wrote 1996’s The English Patient passed away at London’s Charing Cross Hospital after suffering a hemorrhage.  Although he reportedly had an operation for a growth on his neck last week, today’s events came as a surprise.

Minghella received an Academy Award nomination for his work on the screenplay for The Talented Mr. Ripley.  He also directed Nicole Kidman and Jude Law in 2003’s Cold Mountain.

Anthony’s recent project - The No.1 Ladies’ Detective’s Agency - is scheduled to air March 23 on the BBC.