Shōhei Imamura (15 September 1926 – 30 May 2006) was a Japanese film director. He was the first Japanese director to win two Palme d'Or awards, but was never Oscar-nominated in any category. Shōhei Imamura (15 September 1926 – 30 May 2006) was a Japanese film director. He was the first Japanese director to win two Palme d'Or awards, but was never Oscar-nominated in any category.