Hal Ashby was an American film director, producer, and editor. He is best known for directing films such as Harold and Maude (1971), The Last Detail (1973), Shampoo (1975), Bound for Glory (1976), Coming Home (1978), and Being There (1979). He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director for his work on Coming Home. He was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Editing for his work on The Last Detail. Hal Ashby was a highly influential figure in the New Hollywood era of filmmaking.