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William M. Finkelstein Biography

Birth Name:William M. Finkelstein

Profession Writer, Producer, Actor, Director, Script department

Fast Facts

  • Was nominated for a Chlotrudis Award for Best Original Screenplay for "The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans" in 2010
  • Was nominated for three Edgar Allan Poe Awards for Best Television Episode, one for "L․A․ Law" in 1990 and two for "Brooklyn South" in 1999
  • Was nominated for two Writers Guild of America Awards for Episodic Drama for "L․A․ Law" in 1990 and 1991
  • Started out as an executive story editor on the TV series "L․A․ Law" in 1987
  • Best known as the writer, executive producer, and executive story editor of "L․A․ Law" and as the writer and executive producer of "Law & Order․"
  • Directed the "L․A․ Law" episode titled "Finish Line" in 1994
  • Had small roles in "Ally McBeal," "Cop Rock," and "On Seventh Avenue," among others

Awards

  • 1987Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 1989Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Drama Series: winner
  • 1989Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 1989Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 1990Edgar-Best Television Episode: nominated
  • 1990Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Drama Series: winner
  • 1990Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 1990WGA Award (TV)-Episodic Drama: nominated
  • 1991WGA Award (TV)-Episodic Drama: nominated
  • 1999Edgar-Best Television Episode: nominated
  • 1999Edgar-Best Television Episode: nominated
  • 2001Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Drama Series: nominated
  • 2010Chlotrudis Award-Best Original Screenplay: nominated