Marcia Lucas, Oscar-winning editor of Star Wars, dies aged 80

Marcia Lucas, the film editor behind some of the most influential science-fiction films of all time, has died aged 80. Die Zeit confirms the death of the Oscar winner, who was honoured in 1978 for her work on "Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope".

Lucas edited not only the original Star Wars trilogy, but also classics such as "Taxi Driver" and "American Graffiti". Der Tagesspiegel pays tribute to her as a pioneer in her field, whose signature shaped entire cult scenes of the science-fiction epic – such as the iconic death scene of Obi-Wan Kenobi on the Death Star. Die Welt writes that Lucas was regarded as George Lucas's "secret weapon" and her editing craft was central to the franchise's worldwide success.

Tributes from colleagues

On Friday, actor Mark Hamill paid tribute to the deceased on Instagram as a "good friend" and emphasised her indispensable role in the creation of the original trilogy. Tagesschau reports that experts describe Lucas as a "master of her craft", whose creative decisions had a lasting influence on the narrative style of modern blockbusters.

Marcia Lucas was married to director George Lucas from 1984 to 1987. Her career spanned decades and included collaboration with figures such as Martin Scorsese. Her influence on film art extends far beyond Star Wars – she set standards for editing in major productions and inspired generations of editors.