Will 'The Artist' and 'The Descendants' Reverse the Indie Spirit-Oscar Trend? (Analysis)

Francois Durand/Getty ImagesLiev Schreiber Liev Schreiber is heading to Showtime. The Salt co-star and Everything Is Illuminated writer-director has been tapped to star in the Showtime drama pilot Ray Donovan. The pilot takes a novelistic look at contemporary Los Angeles with Schreiber playing the title character, a professional "fixer" for the rich and famous in Los Angeles. As the go-to guy in Hollywood, Ray deftly solves the highly confidential problems of the city's most intriguing personalities and yet he can't quite escape the damage in his own troubled family. Created by Southland's Ann Biderman, who will executive produce alongside Mark Gordon and Bryan Zuriff for the Mark Gordon Co., production on Ray Donovan will begin in the first quarter in Los Angeles. Schreiber, repped by CAA and Untitled Entertainment, next appears in the feature Goon, which bows in March. The actor, who has narrated a plethora of TV specials, would be making his series TV debut should Ray Donovan be picked up to series. His credits also include an arc on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Ray Donovan was one of three new pilots to get the green light under new Showtime entertainment chief David Nevins in August. Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit PHOTO GALLERY: View Gallery 18 Familiar Faces of Fall TV Liev Schreiber TV Casting Showtime TV Development

Watercooler: Not so long ago Enchants Once More

Raphael Sbarge, Lana Parrilla OK, so Wally Disney is either moving in the grave or LOLing in the beyond. Hopefully it is the latter, because Not so long ago is really a hoot. It might be unfortunate to consider the guy behind a button would not be lower using the fun being had in Storybrooke.Because the season's top new drama, the wonderful series continues to be delivering large-time amounts and smiles in abundance, using its fractured undertake favorite anecdotes, cheeky tweaks to classic figures, and rapid-fire nods to Disney staples along with other out-there area. A Dalmatian named Pongo? Love! And also the Apollo bag of chips from Lost? Love more!Last evening, Once offered up another enchanting episode, this time around dedicated to the fairy-tale backstory of Henry's counselor Archie Hopper, also known in old-school circles as Jiminy Cricket. It had been an inspired outing that presented both cartoonish disadvantage-artist version and Storybrooke's shrink edition as careful good men stuck underneath the thumb of bad people. Even though we're able to spend hrs and hrs within the Evil Queen's kingdom, the changing mythology nowadays in this-age plot is making that timeline the main one to look at...really carefully. What's track of individuals tunnels running under that town? Who's Henry's father? And when you did not get chills whenever a certain legendary umbrella saved your day throughout the climactic mine-collapse save, what's wrong along with you?!Just focus and shoot loving Not so long ago, too?Sign up for TV Guide Magazine now!

Viggo Mortensen: 'A Harmful Method' Trained Me How you can Talk inside a Movie

David Cronenberg is not always the very first director you'd expect to create a movie concerning the war of wills between two trailblazing 19th-century psychoanalysts, although on further reflection the concept begins to create sense. Cronenberg's movies have always featured lots of disturbed people, therefore it makes sense he wouldn't can just learn the job of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung but he would ultimately become intrigued through the defects and problems from the males themselves. The resulting film, 'A Harmful Method,' out today in limited release from The new sony Pictures Classics, asks what goes on when two males devoted to treating humanity of their mental illnesses encounter destructive forces within themselves. Michael Fassbender plays Jung, the idealistic Austrian heir to Freud's legacy, who gradually becomes familiar with -- and, for the time being, possessed by -- their own negative side. Freud, described by having an air of ironic wit by erstwhile 'Lord from the Rings' swashbuckler Viggo Mortensen, may be the vain, impatient mentor who evolves with time right into a disapproving rival. I spoke to Mortensen a week ago about his ongoing collaboration with Cronenberg (this really is their third collaboration), his frustration using the Oscar "recognition contest," and the initial desire not to play a talkative old Jewish shrink.Here are a few highlights from your conversation. Had you been surprised when Cronenberg known as and stated, "I wish to create a movie about Sigmund Freud"? It did not surprise me. What surprised me is the fact that he thought I had been the best actor for Freud. I needed to seriously consider it. In many ways, it had been the greatest stretch I have had being an actor in movies. Much more of a stretch somewhat in 'Eastern Promises.' Doing the role, with David's help, helped me feel more confidant about playing figures who are much more verbose. Now I recognize, I'm able to get it done. I recognized the task because I reliable David. The final factor he really wants to do is miscast his movies, when it is someone much like me who's uncle. He thought I possibly could get it done and did not forget about the concept, and so i thought there has to be something into it. Had you been told by others that this kind of role wouldn't meet your needs exactly? Or have you just type of think that wasn't your factor? I simply had not done anything that can compare with it. I had not performed a personality who spoke much. And at first glance, searching in the script, I believe I'd preconceived ideas relating to this apparently serious, dry, seniors, whitened-haired Jewish researcher. I figured, "That isn't me." Physically, I am much more of an Aryan type to begin with. But when I understood much more about his ironic tone and the wit, after i began discovering just how much appetite for existence he really had, I began thinking, "Well, maybe there is a means by." Have you got the sense that you simply and Michael Fassbender are your similar tradition? He could somewhat be an heir for your type of acting? Being an actor? I'm not sure, I had not considered that. I am talking about, we've got along well. She has an excellent spontaneity and that he was easy to utilize. He was ready. I believe you will find there's tiny bit different approach, a minimum of within this movie. His work is dependant on finding some type of rhythm or music within the text. I believe the way Kiera works is a touch more much like mine -- you realize, carrying out a considerable amount of research on a myriad of things what you know already are very peripheral. Watch a clip for 'A Harmful Method' On the different side from the spectrum, do you think, "Oh guy, Let me do another 'Lord from the Rings' style action franchise"? No. I am talking about, I do not genuinely have a game title plan. I have never really had one. Many people say, "Hollywood favors this now," and that i always go, "What's Hollywood? I truly have no idea what that's." I do not expect to do large or small movies. [For just about any movie to become effective,] you need to be lucky. The director needs to be great. They have got to be aware what they are doing around the set after which they have got to be aware what they are doing within the editing room, and you require a distributor who's not stupid. I have experienced movies which i thought were quite good, that were not launched correctly, or simply had misfortune. May it be 'Appaloosa,' [Erectile dysfunction] Harris' movie, or 'The Road' -- 'The Road' was among my personal favorite movies of 2009. I have heard that from a lot of people. Many of them saw it afterwards, certainly Americans, because People in america and Canadians did not really get the opportunity whatsoever to determine that movie in theaters. It had not been marketed perfectly, and that we got the shaft. Many people anticipated simply because movie. But unless of course the distributor does just a little leg try to generate some type of buzz and that buzz through -- say, just in case of 'The Road' -- the fall, it may as well not have been launched. I have had which happen several occasions, where later on individuals are saying, "Shit, which was great, I first viewed it on DVD, I first viewed it around the plane -- why did not that will get nominated for the best Movie? Why did not David Cronenberg get nominated for the best Director for 'History of Violence'? Or 'Eastern Promises'?" Let you know what: David Cronenberg hasn't been nominated to have an Oscar, ever. That is absurd whenever you think about, not just some people that will get nominated each year, but some people who win for the best Director. Seriously, a lot of occasions, the thing is a film, the thing is victory, and also you go, "The number of people are likely to choose to rent that factor annually from now?" In some instances, nobody. But we are still watching 'A Good reputation for Violence' and 'The Fly.' I've no explanation why he's never been nominated like a director. I would have nominated him for those three movies I have completed with him. No doubt. That one, I'm not sure exactly what the general feeling is available relating to this movie -- we'll see if this arrives -- however it already appears like other movies I have seen, which i know don't hold a candle to that one, happen to be making individuals lists also it appears like David, once more, is vanishing. You may can explain it me. Well, I actually do believe that they are harder-edged when compared to a Oscar fare. People still classify him like a horror director, maybe. I've no clue why. Yeah, that's most likely part of it too. But allow me to request you about Kiera Knightley -- I had been just gonna say -- I believe that's a performance which will go lower ever among the great performances, certainly of the year. But I'm not sure if she'll have the ability to enter that recognition contest or otherwise. Certainly in great britan, it appears to become ingrained in experts that they can perform no right. I'm not sure what the heck that's about. All I'm able to do is enjoy things i do. I usually benefit from the research process. I'm able to always rely on that for a great time. Unless of course I am dealing with Cronenberg, where I understand the shoot's likely to be enjoyable and fun, a great chance to learn, calm, professional, with a few laughs on the way, and also the movie's likely to turn to be one I am happy with -- in some cases, it is a crapshoot. Many occasions, the study is I've, so far as that which was really fun. You are making relationships around the shoot if you wish to, but many of shoots don't turn to be handled, well considered, well performed, or enjoyable, and also the finish results could be almost unwatchable sometimes, you realize? Regardless of the best efforts of everyone involved, it is simply the actual way it goes. Photo credit: The new sony Pictures Classics. Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-486274.cke_show_edges #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-486274, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-486274

G.I. Joe 2 Crew Member Killed During Filming

First Published: November 23, 2011 4:38 PM EST Credit: Getty Images Caption Channing Tatum in G.I. JoeNEW ORLEANS, La. -- A crew member working on the film G.I. Joe 2: Retalition has been killed on the set in New Orleans in what the studio is calling an unusual accident. Paramount Pictures spokeswoman Virginia Lam said Wednesday that Mike Huber was killed Tuesday. She would not comment to The Associated Press on the circumstances surrounding his death. New Orleans Police Department spokeswoman Remi Braden says the accident occurred on property owned by NASA, so the federal government is heading the investigation. A spokesman for NASA did not immediately return a telephone call for comment. Lam says the studio is fully cooperating with the investigation. The sequel stars Bruce Willis, Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Channing Tatum. The action movie is scheduled for release in the summer. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

New W.E. Trailer: Double-Living in the Material World

Madonna reedited her new film W.E. after its mostly disastrous premiere at the Venice Film Festival a few months ago, and now it’s in new trailer, her watercolored royalty tale looks sleeker, sexier, and — phew — just as ridiculous. In terms of Madonna paramours, W.E. just made the admirable jump from Vanilla Ice to Dennis Rodman. Now there is something colorful and electric about its freakish antics. Glad to see Madge kept that shot of Abbie Cornish emerging from the sea of umbrellas (very “Rain”) and those moments of Wallis Simpson courting paparazzi (very “Take a Bow”). In fact, I prefer to think of W.E. as a conceptual Madonna music video without a song or Madonna in it. Let’s face it, the only way this movie can be any good is if Wallis Simpson finds ultimate salvation in the arms of either a Venetian lion man or a black Christ. James D’Arcy, let’s fit you for a mane. Verdict: Desperately Sleeking Simpson [via Moviefone] Follow Louis Virtel on Twitter. Follow Movieline on Twitter.

Open Road Acquires Ensemble Comedy Outrun

LOS ANGELES, CA, November 18, 2011 Open Road Films has acquired all U.S. rights to the romantic action comedy Outrun — starring, written and co-directed by comic talent Dax Shepard (NBCs Parenthood) with an all-star ensemble cast including Kristen Bell, Bradley Cooper, Tom Arnold, Beau Bridges, Kristin Chenoweth, David Koechner, Michael Rosenbaum, Joy Bryant, and Ryan Hansen. David Palmer co-directed with Shepard. The announcement was made today by Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Open Road Films. Outrun is the story of Charlie Bronson (Shepard), a former getaway driver who busts out of the Witness Protection Program to drive his girlfriend (Kristen Bell) to Los Angeles so she can land her dream job. Their road trip grows awkwardly complicated, when they are chased by the feds (led by Tom Arnold), and increasingly dangerous, when Charlies former gang of criminals (led by Bradley Cooper) enter the fray. Outrun was produced by Andrew Panay with Nate Tuck, Kim Waltrip and Jim Casey. Exclusive Media Group acquired the international rights. Dax Shepard is one of the most exciting comedic talents working today, stated Ortenberg. He has assembled a brilliantly talented cast in a wildly fun and funny movie. We are thrilled to be in business with him, as well as producer Andrew Panay, and look forward to bringing Outrun to audiences around the country. My number-one passion after Kristen and work is motorsports — I’m interested in almost anything with an engine. This movie is like a giant cake made with my three favorite ingredients: my fiance, my best friends and all my favorite cars. It was a six week-long birthday party! explains Shepard. The deal was negotiated on behalf of Open Road Films by Ortenberg, General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Operations and Business Affairs, Elliott Kleinberg, and Senior Vice President of Acquisitions, Ben Cotner. Jamie Feldman and Linda Lichter of Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Adler and Feldman negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers.

It's Official: NBC Orders 'The Munsters' to Pilot

NBC is coming back for the well while using Munsters.our editor recommendsCBS Twitches Nose, Orders 'Bewitched' ScriptNBC Gives Existence to 'Frankenstein' Reboot The network has acquired the pilot, that's billed becoming an imaginative reinvention in the classic comedy series just like a visually spectacular one-hour drama. STORY: 'The Munsters': 'Pushing Daisies' Creator Takes Second Stab at Remake With NBC The project, that's being producedby Universal Television, will probably be written and executive producedBryan Bigger (Dead At All Like Me, Pushing Daisies). Bigger and NBC first made an attempt to create back the sixties CBS sitcom a year ago, while using network ultimately passing. Fuller's change is mentioned being an edgier and more personal and much more personal and a little more dark take exploring roots of Herman and Lily Munster (initially carried out byFred GwynneandYvonne P Carlo) and the way they turned up within the famous 1313 Mockingbird Lane address. The first series, produced by Universal Art galleries, broadcast 70 episodes from 1964-66 on CBS. The series has shown strong in distribution, ultimately developing a spinoff,The Munsters Today, which went from 1988-91 and made it 72 episodes. A component film,Munster, Return Home, together with a 1981 NBC telefilm,The Munsters' Revengewith the first cast,also completed the initial property. Bigger is repped by WME. Related Subjects NBC TV Aircraft aircraft pilots

Bachelor's Shayne Lamas Welcomes a Baby on 11-11-11

Shayne Lamas Bachelor winner Shayne Lamas welcomed her first child with husband Nik Richie on Friday, E! Online reports. Lamas, who was previously engaged to Bachelor Matt Grant, gave birth to Press Dhal Lamas-Richie on 11-11-11. Check out the rest of today's news "I feel blessed today," Richie told the site. "Press Dahl Lamas-Richie is the coolest baby in the history of female kind. She doesn't even cry and she has the prettiest eyelashes." Richie and Lamas, 26, who split with Grant in 2008, eloped back in April 2010.

Gaghan polishes Shyamalan's 'A.E.'

Stephen Gaghan has completed a polish of The new sony Pictures and Overbrook Entertainment's advanced sci-fi pic "One 1000 A.E.," which is directed by M. Evening Shyamalan. Shyamalan was credited because the sole author around the first nine films he directed, but his latest, "A.E.," was scripted by Gary Whitta ("It of Eli"). Shyamalan rewrote the script to suit his needs, but Gaghan was assigned with obtaining the script in shooting shape. He switched his revisions to the studio nearly last month and will continue to use Shyamalan to fine-tune the present draft because the pic's Feb start date draws near. Will and Jaden Cruz are going to star like a father and boy who crash-land on the planet one 1000 years after mankind has abandoned the earth. The crash leaves the elder Cruz badly hurt, and it is as much as the boy to locate assist in what's now an unusual and harmful place. The duo formerly shared the screen in Sony's 2006 drama "The Quest for Happyness." Shyamalan and can Cruz are creating using the latter's Overbrook partners James Lassiter, Ken Stovitz and Jada Pinkett Cruz. Gaghan, who won a best-modified script Oscar for "Traffic," is developing two projects like a director: a WB pic in regards to a Mexican cartel, and Torch Pictures' indie drama in regards to a Snakehead who trafficks in human cargo from China. His last bigscreen project was as author-helmer of Warner Bros.' 2005 drama "Syriana." Gaghan is repped by CAA. Contact Shaun Sneider at shaun.sneider@variety.com

Piers Morgan Leaves Americas Got Talent

Getting NBC brass’ blessing was type in Piers Morgan landing his talk show host gig on CNN because he was under contract in the broadcast network like a judge on America’s Got Talent. Now Morgan is departing NBC that permitted him to satisfy his imagine succeeding Ray King and also the reality series that established him in america to pay attention to his battling primetime show on CNN. Morgan made the announcement around the CNN program, Piers Morgan Tonight. “I’m departing America’s Got Talent,” he stated. (video below) “I’ve had the experience because the show started 6 years back and also have loved every second from it but learned that juggling is a little harder than I figured.” NBC lately restored the veteran talent competition for next season.

Brett Ratner Explains His Oscar Resignation

SHOCKER! Brett Ratner Out As Oscar Producer Academys Statement On Brett Ratners Resignation Brett Ratner has issued a letter to the entertainment industry explaining why he has resigned as producer of the Academy Awards following a litany of spectacularly dumb and insensitive statements made while promoting his new film Tower Heist. I’m told that despite a growing groundswell of Academy members calling for Ratner’s head, the Academy likely would have grudgingly hung in there with Ratner as producer. He made it easy for them by bowing out. Here is his statement: An Open Letter to the Entertainment Industry from Brett Ratner Dear Colleagues, Over the last few days, Ive gotten a well-deserved earful from many of the people I admire most in this industry expressing their outrage and disappointment over the hurtful and stupid things I said in a number of recent media appearances. To them, and to everyone Ive hurt and offended, Id like to apologize publicly and unreservedly. As difficult as the last few days have been for me, they cannot compare to the experience of any young man or woman who has been the target of offensive slurs or derogatory comments. And they pale in comparison to what any gay, lesbian, or transgender individual must deal with as they confront the many inequalities that continue to plague our world. So many artists and craftspeople in our business are members of the LGBT community, and it pains me deeply that I may have hurt them. I should have known this all along, but at least I know it now: words do matter. Having love in your heart doesnt count for much if what comes out of your mouth is ugly and bigoted. With this in mind, and to all those who understandably feel that apologies are not enough, please know that I will be taking real action over the coming weeks and months in an effort to do everything I can both professionally and personally to help stamp out the kind of thoughtless bigotry Ive so foolishly perpetuated. As a first step, I called Tom Sherak this morning and resigned as a producer of the 84th Academy Awards telecast. Being asked to help put on the Oscar show was the proudest moment of my career. But as painful as this may be for me, it would be worse if my association with the show were to be a distraction from the Academy and the high ideals it represents. I am grateful to GLAAD for engaging me in a dialogue about what we can do together to increase awareness of the important and troubling issues this episode has raised and I look forward to working with them. I am incredibly lucky to have a career in this business that I love with all of my heart and to be able to work alongside so many of my heroes. I deeply regret my actions and I am determined to learn from this experience. Sincerely, Brett Ratner

Business matters

'Winter's Bone'The fest's Industry Days (Nov. 16-18) involve Work in Progress screenings of 10 unfinished Scandinavian films. This year's lineup includes Lasse Hallstrom's first Swedish movie in 24 years, "The Hypnotist"; "Comrade" by helmer Petter Naess; and "Easy Money 2."Each year around 15-20 titles are picked up for distribution.With 900 accredited journalists from 52 countries, the fest also has a significant international impact. Fest topper Git Scheynius says when Chinese TV did a report on Scandinavian cinema from the festival two years ago, it resulted in a lot of new Sino connections for local filmmakers.The fest also acts as a launchpad for international films, and particularly for U.S. indies, in Sweden. Debra Granik's "Winter's Bone" was the big prize winner last year, picking up best film and actress, and Sweden ended up as that pic's second-biggest territory worldwide.Scheynius says U.S indies directed by women, such as "Winter's Bone," helped to inspire the fest's decision to launch its own production fund dedicated to new Swedish female directors.STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Scandis fund femme visions | Business matters | Swedish muscle Contact the Variety newsroom at news@variety.com

ZDF Businesses makes its way into 'Killing House'

BERLIN -- ZDF Businesses, the commercial arm of German pubcaster ZDF, has boarded Mythic Worldwide Entertainment's action-thriller "The Killing House." Directed by Mythic's Jonathan British ("Ironclad), pic is occur the field of the SAS, the British Army's Special Air Service unit, and follows a police officer who questions his morality following a particularly brutal mission. Mythic describes the experience-packed story and conspiracy-laden plot as "similar to the 'Bourne' films and classics for example 'Three Times of the Condor.'" The offer was brokered by Margrit Staerk, ZDF Enterprises' director of movies. It is the latest acquisition for ZDF Businesses, that has been intensifying its concentrate on worldwide indies and nabbing all privileges to the pick-ups. The organization lately acquired Ami Canaan Mann's "Texas Killing Fields," starring Mike Worthington and Jeffrey Dean Morgan Stephen Sommers' "Odd Thomas," with Anton Yelchin and Take advantage of Cohen's "I, Alex Mix," starring Tyler Perry. "The Killing House" is slated to start filming in May within the U.K., Germany, Belgium and Hungary. Casting is presently going ahead around the project. Mythic Worldwide Entertainment's Andrew Curtis and Ron Benattar are creating together with British, who also helmed the business's medieval actioner "Ironclad," starring Paul Giamatti and James Purefoy. Contact Erectile dysfunction Meza at staff@variety.com

Campion to direct Sundance/BBC mini

Sundance Channel and BBC Worldwide have inked a deal to co-produce "Top of the Lake," a seven-episode scripted miniseries directed by "Bright Star" helmer Jane Campion and Garth Davis, and starring "Mad Men" thesp Elisabeth Moss and Campion's "Piano" collab (and Oscar winner for the role) Holly Hunter. The mini, penned by Campion and Gerard Lee, will also star Peter Mullan and David Wenham, and will be produced by See-Saw Films' Emile Sherman and Iain Canning ("The King's Speech"), and Escapade Pictures' Philippa Campbell. It's the second scripted greenlight from Sundance this week, with the net's first wholly-owned project, scripted drama "Rectify," broken by Variety earlier this week. There are more to come, according to Sundance g.m. and exec veep Sarah Barnett. "We're committing more than we ever had to scripted drama on Sundance," Barnett said in a phone interview. "We want to roll out a healthy amount of scripted shows." Asked how the net would distinguish itself from drama-centric sister cabler AMC as it ramped up its slate, Barnett said she thought the town was big enough for the two of them. "They're guided by something that sort of defies formula, as are we," she said. "There are a lot of great projects -- enough to go around, so we don't worry about stepping on toes." Contact Sam Thielman at sam.thielman@variety.com

Pattinson Surprised By Hollywood Hands & Footprint Ceremony

First Launched: November 3, 2011 7:33 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images Caption Rachelle Lefervre, Billy Burke and Taytlor Lautner showcase their handy focus on the Hands and Footprint Ceremony at Graumans Chinese Theatre on November 3, 2011 in HollywoodLOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Rachelle Lefervre, Billy Burke and Rachelle Lefervre grew to become an associate from the ranks of Lana Turner, John Wayne, Daniel Radcliffe and R2-D2, by putting their hands and feet prints on your lawn before Graumans Chinese Theatre. That is this type of incredible recognition, Robert told The Twilight Saga fans who collected for your ceremony on Thursday morning in Hollywood. [Considering] how youthful we are, its kind of absurd and amazing concurrently. Taylor gave credit for the Twi-Hards for moment in cement. Your support is unreal which we wouldnt be around today whether or not this wasnt to suit your needs, he mentioned. You will discover a few moments meaning a great deal its really even difficult to explain, that is certainly among people. This really is really wonderful. For Kristen, the whole moment made the 21-year-old feel all developed. In my opinion this really is really the very best factor Ive ever carried out my existence, she mentioned. That is insane that Im transporting this out. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Beginning Part 1 arrives for release in theaters on November 18. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All rights reserved. These elements is probably not launched, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Gilbert Cates' Dying: Hollywood Takes note of the Director and Oscar Producer

Following Tuesday's news of 14-time Oscar producer Glibert Cates' dying at 77 years of age, Hollywood has responded with remembrances from the veteran director and producer. First to acknowledge his sudden passing was the Academy of movement Picture Arts and Sciences. "Gil was our friend, our friend along with a former governor from the Academy," stated Academy leader Tom Sherak. "He would be a consummate professional who gave the Academy and also the world probably the most memorable moments in Oscar history. His passing is really a tremendous loss towards the entertainment industry, and our ideas go to his family." STORY: Oscar Producer Gilbert Cates Dies at 77 A 2-term leader from the Company directors Guild of America, Cates was close with lots of of his peers, which Steven Spielberg stated inside a statement. "Nobody may again achieve what Gil Cates accomplished in the contributions to the prosperity of the Film Academy and also the Company directors Guild," Spielberg stated inside a statement. "In creating 14 Oscar shows for that Academy and leading the Company directors Guild through challenging occasions and discussions, he set a amazing standard for dedication and excellence. He was probably the most loved person I understood and will also be skipped by all who understood him like a proud person in our industry along with a great friend to everybody." Current DGA leader Taylor Hackford echoed Spielberg's sentiments. "Gil Cates embodied this Guild," he stated. "Through his decades and services information, he led the Guild lightly and charismatically with great knowledge, and possibly more to the point, he established what it really intended to be an innovator of the organization and also the entertainment community. He would be a fierce friend, a level fiercer negotiator and somebody you usually wished was in your corner but respected even when he wasn't. Gil was among the lights of the organization and among the central reasons which i grew to become involved with Guild service. From the moment I became a member of the Western Company directors Council in 1996, Gil would be a mentor in my experience, encouraging me to consider leadership responsibility and supplying guidance all on the way. I had been honored for everyone with him of these a long time and can miss him greatly." PHOTOS: Hollywood's Notable Deaths Among Cates' many contributions towards the industry was as founder and creating director of UCLA's Geffen Playhouse. He'd most lately directed a manufacture of Jeffrey Hatcher's A Picasso for that Geffen in 2007. "Gil has always known to the employees of the Geffen Playhouse as his second family" stated Geffen chairman Frank Mancuso inside a statement. "Which is like a family that people mourn this tremendous loss. Gil built this theater and that he will forever attend the middle of it -- we recognition his existence by ongoing the fulfillment of his dream. As oh my gosh friend Gil would without doubt say 'onward and upward using the arts.'" Cates also founded UCLA's School of Theater, Film and tv, where he offered as dean from 1990 to 1998. Sitting dean Teri Schwartz launched an argument with respect to the college. "Our entire TFT community is extremely saddened by losing our beloved mentor, friend and friend," she stated. "Today we mourn our great loss but additionally celebrate Gil's remarkable vision and numerous contributions, not just to TFT as founding dean and distinguished professor but towards the entertainment and carrying out arts industries and also the education in our students, who achieved positive results from his amazing talent, experience, generosity, experience and knowledge. Our greatest condolences and love go to Gil's beloved family only at that very hard time." PHOTOS: Oscar Hosts Over time On Twitter, among Cates' Oscar collaborators, former host Steve Martin, shared his condolences. "So sorry to listen to Gil Cates has died," Martin authored. "He helmed two Oscar shows I located. He was wonderful, smart, canny and unperturbed. An excellent fellow." Related Subjects Steve Martin Steven Spielberg