October 20, 2015
Los Angeles – Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay made the following statement upon learning of the passing of Michael Stevens:
“The Guild mourns the loss of award-winning director, producer, writer, member and friend, Michael Stevens. Chairman of the 65th and 66th Annual DGA Awards and creator of the Guild’s powerful Emmy Award-winning series of 75th Anniversary films DGA Moments In Time, Michael brought Guild history to life to share with our members and the world. Michael wrote, produced and directed more than 30 prime-time event and concert specials including ‘Kennedy Center Honors’ for which he earned a string of Emmy nominations and wins. In addition to his work on live events, concerts and awards shows, Stevens also produced and directed several critically acclaimed films, a Grammy nominated album and political documentaries.
“For more than seven decades, the DGA has been a part of the Stevens family. The grandson of three-term Guild president George Stevens and son of director member George Stevens, Jr., Michael’s family connection to the DGA began when his grandfather was one of the first Guild Service Award recipients at the inaugural DGA Awards in 1948. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”