Oscar Producer Cates Dies

Gilbert Cates, the man who spent more time at the helm of the Academy Awards than anyone else, died at the age of 77. Cates produced a record 14 Oscar telecasts over an 18-year span, and is credited with updating the award ceremony by bringing in hosts such as Billy Crystal, Steve Martin, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jon Stewart. His last show was in 2008. Cates also served two terms as president of the Directors Guild of America. His body was found in a parking lot on the UCLA campus, where he was a professor.