Los Angeles, Nov. 2 – International President Matthew Loeb has expressed his condolences on the passing of Directors Guild of America Secretary-Treasurer and Past President Gil Cates, who died Tuesday afternoon. In addition to his numerous directing credits, Cates was founding Dean of the UCLA School of Theater Film and Television, founder and producing director at the Geffen Playhouse and 14-time producer of the Oscar broadcast.

“The IA and the entire industry have lost a great friend in Gil Cates. He was truly an honorable man whose warmth, intelligence and demeanor defined him. His creative spirit and his humanity will be greatly missed.”