A sweeping and iconic period piece directed by AFI Life Achievement Award honoree William Wyler, BEN-HUR (1959) was ranked by the American Film Institute at #2 among the greatest epic films of all time – and also appears on AFI’s lists of the greatest movies of all time and the art form’s most heart-pounding thrillers. The film’s star, Charlton Heston, was the third Chair of the American Film Institute’s Board of Trustees from 1973-1983.
Visit the AFI Catalog to learn more about BEN-HUR.