William Friedkin, director of the classic horror film The Exorcist, died on Monday at the age of 87, US media report.

His wife told The Hollywood Reporter he had died in Los Angeles, the outlet reported.

His other famous films included crime thriller The French Connection, which won five Academy Awards including best director.

Tributes from celebrities began pouring in over social media.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, actor Elijah Wood wrote: “Aww man…a true cinematic master whose influence will continue to extend forever. So long, William Friedkin.”

Friedkin died before his latest work, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, could hit screens for its planned premiere at the Venice Film Festival beginning 30 August.

Though his career started in the early 1960s, his most notable success came in the following decade with the release of 1971’s The French Connection.

The film’s five Oscars also included best picture, and best actor for Gene Hackman.

The Exorcist, released in 1973, earned Friedkin another nomination for best director. The film is reported to have grossed $500m worldwide and opened the doors to the “blockbuster” era of filmmaking.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated