Gandhi is a worshipful tribute to one of the 20th century's greatest leaders with Ben Kingsley giving a superb performance in the title role. Produced and directed on a grand scale by Richard Attenborough, the film sacrifices the complexities of history for an inspirational focus on its subject. Critics frequently cite the film's dismissal of supporting character development among its weaknesses, with the strongest objections reserved for Candice Bergen's miscast performance as photojournalist Margaret Bourke-White. Nonetheless, the film transcends the typical biopic with vivid recreations of important incidents from Gandhi's life. More than 300,000 extras, most of them unpaid volunteers, are said to have taken part in the funeral sequence, which occupies only slightly more than two minutes of the film. As was widely predicted, the film swept the Oscars, winning eight, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.