Oscar winner who worked on ET and Jurassic Park dies as tributes flood in

Steven Spielberg has paid tribute after the death of Oscar-winning advisor and publicist Marvin Levy. Levy, who worked on campaigns for films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Taxi Driver and Kramer vs. Kramer, died on Monday (7 April) at the age of 96.

He passed away in Los Angeles. The publicist was the first marketing or PR professional to win an honorary Oscar. He was given the gong in 2018 in recognition of his work.



Spielberg's statement in said: "“Marvin’s passing is a huge loss for me and our industry writ large. There are many talented PR executives, but Marvin was one of a kind. For over 50 years, he was a deeply loyal and exceptional collaborator who was respected and appreciated by all those who were lucky enough to learn from his counsel.

" He went on: "When it came to handling the press, he had no peer. To the media and the world of exhibition, Marvin was the face of Amblin. “We were opposite ends of the movie-making process.

Every time I reached the end of production on a film, Marvin’s work had only begun. "Through countless films, TV series, Amblin events, awards campaigns and our public relations strategy — this is where Marvin came alive. He loved his work and was endlessly enthusiastic about our business.

"He was creative, innovative and respected for his knowledge and honesty. He was excited to figure how new and better ways to present films to audiences. As a result, he was the first and only publicist to receive an Academy Award.

" Levy worked with Spielberg on films including ET, Jurassic Park and Schindler's List. The filmmaker said: "I am grateful for all our years together. Marvin never failed to make me laugh, he never stopped smiling.

" "We will miss you, Marvin," he added. "You will always be in our hearts, and your memory will always make us smile.” .

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