Award-winning Hollywood producer Jeff Margolis has died aged 78, his family has confirmed. He died on Friday May 23 in Nashville, Tennessee. No cause of death has been announced. Margolis was TV producer and director behind the Oscars, Emmys, Screen Actors Guild Awards and the American Music Awards.
The SAG Awards committee paid tribute, saying in a statement: “Jeff Margolis created some of the most unforgettable moments in awards show history, and we are grateful that the Screen Actors Guild Awards was among them. For over 16 years, Jeff helped shape the telecast into a celebration worthy of the actors it honors. We are profoundly grateful for his contributions and will miss him dearly.” Throughout his lengthy career, Margolis directed in all 22 American Music Awards, eight Oscar ceremonies, seven Screen Actors Guild Awards, three Emmys, three Golden Globes Red Carpet Specials and two Academy of Country Music Awards telecasts.
He also worked with huge Hollywood talent and musicians, including Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Midler and Cher.
Margolis previously addressed his award show success, saying: “I believe a significant part of my success is rooted in kindness. I’ve maintained a principle of never raising my voice, yelling, embarrassing anyone or losing my temper. On every show I work on, I focus on building a family-like atmosphere. I want everyone to feel involved and consider the project as important to them as it is to me.
“Collaboration is key for me. There are times when someone suggests an idea better than mine, and I happily use it, giving them full credit. Building a collaborative family where everyone feels valued and essential to the project’s success is important to me.”
Margolis won an impressive number of awards during his career, including two Directors Guild of America Awards for directing the Oscars, six Emmy nominations for helming the Academy Awards between 1991 and 1996, and Emmy wins for the 1995 Oscars and Sammy Davis Jr.’s 60th Anniversary Celebration.
The producer was the brains behind the Screen Actors Guild Awards for 16 years, a major awards season event for which he headed up the creative team.
