Biography
William Nicholson was born on January 12, 1948 in Tonbridge, Kent, England, UK. He is a producer and writer, known for Les Misérables (2012), Gladiator (2000) and Unbroken (2014). He earned his first Oscar nomination for writing the screenplay for Shadowlands (1993). He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2015 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to Drama and Literature.
Known For
Complete Filmography

Thirteen Lives
2022
Screenplay, Story
Based on the true nail-biting mission that captivated the world. Twelve boys and the coach of a Thai soccer team explore the Tham Luang cave when an u...

Hope Gap
2019
Screenplay, Director
Grace lives an idyllic life in a British seaside town, but her world soon comes crashing down when her husband of 29 years tells her he's leaving her ...

Breathe
2017
Screenplay
Based on the true story of Robin, a handsome, brilliant and adventurous man whose life takes a dramatic turn when polio leaves him paralyzed.

Everest
2015
Screenplay
Inspired by the incredible events surrounding a treacherous attempt to reach the summit of the world's highest mountain, "Everest" documents the awe-i...

Unbroken
2014
Screenplay
A chronicle of the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who was taken prisoner by Japanese forces during World War II.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
2013
Screenplay
A chronicle of Nelson Mandela's life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected pre...

Les Misérables
2012
Screenplay
An adaptation of the successful stage musical based on Victor Hugo's classic novel set in 19th-century France. Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stea...

Elizabeth: The Golden Age
2007
Screenplay
When Queen Elizabeth's reign is threatened by ruthless familial betrayal and Spain's invading army, she and her shrewd adviser must act to safeguard t...

Strength and Honor: Creating the World of 'Gladiator'
2005
as Self
An in-depth look at the entire making of Ridley Scott's Gladiator. Consisting of: Tale Of The Scribes: Story Development, The Heat Of Battle: Product...

The Many Lives of Richard Attenborough
2003
Two-part Arena special celebrating the life and distinguished career of one of Britain's best-loved public figures. Lord Attenborough's film CV as act...

Gladiator
2000
Screenplay
After the death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, his devious son takes power and demotes Maximus, one of Rome's most capable generals who Marcus preferred....

Grey Owl
1999
Screenplay
Archie Grey Owl is a trapper in Canada in the early 1930s when a young Iroquois woman from town asks him to teach her Indian ways. They live in the wo...

Firelight
1998
Director, Writer
In 1838, lovely governess Elisabeth agrees to bear a child of anonymous English landowner, and he will in return pay her father's debt. At birth she, ...

Crime of the Century
1996
Screenplay
In 1932, the nation was shocked when the 14-month-old son of Charles Lindbergh was kidnapped, held for ransom, and murdered. Two years later, Bruno Ri...

First Knight
1995
Story, Screenplay
The timeless tale of King Arthur and the legend of Camelot are retold in this passionate period drama. Arthur is reluctant to hand the crown to Lancel...

Nell
1994
Screenplay
In a remote woodland cabin, a small town doctor discovers Nell — a beautiful young hermit woman with many secrets.

Shadowlands
1993
Theatre Play, Screenplay
C.S. Lewis, a world-renowned writer and professor, leads a passionless life until he meets spirited poet Joy Gresham.

Sarafina!
1992
Screenplay
The plot centers on students involved in the Soweto Riots, in opposition to the implementation of Afrikaans as the language of instruction in schools....

A Private Matter
1992
Writer
The true story of Romper Room host "Miss Sherri" Finkbine, who, after the devastating effects of thalidomide were discovered in the early 1960s, spark...

The March
1990
Writer
A group of several thousand Africans migrate westward across northern Africa and sail across the Strait of Gibraltar to Europe. Their message is: "We ...

The Vision
1987
Writer
Veteran broadcaster James Marriner is persuaded to front a new big budget national family TV channel. But he begins to suspect that the channel is a f...

Life Story
1987
Screenplay
Watson and Crick race to find the structure of DNA before Linus Pauling, Maurice Wilkins, or Rosalind Franklin can find the key to unlocking the secre...

Shadowlands
1985
Writer
A play based on the friendship between CS Lewis and Joy Gresham.

Martin Luther, Heretic
1983
Writer
Martin Luther inspires a breakaway from the Roman Catholic church and is the founder of Protestantism.