Jeff Margolis, Legendary Oscars and Emmys Director, Dies at 78

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Renowned TV producer and director Jeff Margolis, who garnered awards for his work on the Oscars, Emmys, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and American Music Awards, passed away at the age of 78.

Margolis’ family shared that he died on Friday morning. No cause of death was given.

Jeff Margolis was instrumental in crafting some truly iconic moments during awards ceremonies, and we’re thankful that the Screen Actors Guild Awards were part of his legacy. For more than 16 years, Jeff played a crucial role in turning our show into an event befitting the talent it recognizes. We are deeply appreciative for his work and will greatly miss him,” said the SAG Awards Committee, comprising JoBeth Williams, Daryl Anderson, Jason George, Elizabeth McLaughlin, and Woody Schultz, in a statement issued on Friday.

Over four decades, Margolis’ career took root from humble beginnings – initially working with cue cards for his uncle Monty Hall on Let’s Make a Deal. However, his talent in live television led him to direct and produce significant TV events such as the Academy Awards, American Music Awards, presidential celebrations, and memorable holiday specials.

In a February 2024 interview with Medium, Margolis attributed much of his success to the importance he places on kindness. He always adheres to a rule of keeping his voice calm, avoiding confrontations that could embarrass others or make him angry. On every project he works on, he strives to create an environment similar to a family. This includes making everyone feel included and recognizing their contributions as significant as his own. Collaboration is crucial for Margolis, and he’s open to adopting better ideas from others, giving them credit when due. For him, fostering a collaborative team where each member feels appreciated and essential to the project’s success is of utmost importance.

Margolis has led the way for a grand total of 22 American Music Awards, 8 Oscars ceremonies, 7 Screen Actors Guild Awards, 3 Emmy events, 3 Golden Globes Red Carpet Specials, and 2 Academy of Country Music Awards telecasts.

Additionally, his duties encompassed performances such as “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert,” two Christmas specials from Rockefeller Center, and numerous specials featuring artists like Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Bette Midler, and Cher.

Throughout my career journey, I’ve been fortunate enough to garner two Directors Guild of America Awards for directing the Oscars, six Emmy nominations for overseeing the Academy Awards from 1991 to 1996, and I even took home Emmys for the 1995 Oscars and Sammy Davis Jr.’s 60th Anniversary Celebration. For 16 consecutive years, I served as an executive producer for the Screen Actors Guild Awards, a significant awards season event where I led the creative team.

Jeff Margolis has been responsible for creating and producing various entertainment and reality shows through his company, Jeff Margolis Productions, since its establishment in 1976. Some of these productions have aired on network television (such as NBC’s Fame), syndication, or cable TV (like VH1’s In Search of the Partridge Family).

2020 saw the publication of his memoir titled “We’re Live in 5: My Extraordinary Life in Television“, which was introduced by a long-term partner in work, Billy Crystal. Regrettably, Margolis is no longer with us, leaving behind his children Adam, Erin, and Samantha, along with grandchildren Max and Milo.

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2025-05-24 00:54