George Miller hired his wife who had no action editing experience to edit Mad Max: Fury Road and she ended up winning an Oscar
Margaret Sixel’s journey as the editor of “Mad Max: Fury Road” is a testament to talent, perseverance, and breaking barriers in the film industry. When director George Miller entrusted his wife with the task of editing this high-octane action film, it was a bold move that paid off in spades.
Sixel, while experienced in editing, had never tackled an action movie of this scale before. Yet, Miller saw her lack of experience in the genre as a strength, believing that it would bring a fresh perspective to the film’s editing process.
The production of “Mad Max: Fury Road” was no small feat, with the editorial team processing hours of footage daily, sending it to Sixel in Sydney, Australia. Over the course of three months, Sixel worked tirelessly, pouring over 470 hours of footage and crafting the film’s dynamic and fast-paced sequences.
Her dedication and skill resulted in a masterfully edited film, featuring 2,700 individual cuts, double the amount of its predecessor. Sixel’s work earned her widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Editing in 2016, along with recognition at the Critics Choice Awards and the BAFTAs.
While much was made of Sixel’s gender in the industry, she emphasized that it was her passion for editing that drove her success, not her gender. With a diverse team of editors, Sixel proved that talent knows no gender boundaries.
In the end, Sixel’s remarkable achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring editors everywhere, showcasing the power of determination and skill in overcoming challenges and leaving an indelible mark on cinema history.
