Quotes by Gil Cates

“The Academy is mindful that many of its celebrity guests would feel uncomfortable arriving at this years awards at the beginning of a major war to face a business-as-usual phalanx of interviewers and photographers. Therefore arriving guests will not stop for interviews or photographs.”

“We all understand that the country is on the brink of war and may be sending American men and women into harms way almost as we speak. We must prepare for the show to be produced under these circumstances.”

“We hope that everyone involved will understand that this change is being made in response to the critical situation in the Middle East and will help us make these changes work.”

“my art is my activism.”

“We all want to do the show. The public wants it, the stars want it. But were all good Americans, so well try to [make it] a show that we can be proud of.”

“I am sorry that during the excitement of a live 3 hour television event the wonderful film piece we prepared that paid tribute to the Carol Burnett Show was not aired,”

“Its a great move,”

“If you are a betting man, the show will go on, really and truly,”

“Jon knows the difference of being irreverent without being impolite. This is not a political show. I think he understands that.”

“Jon is the epitome of a perfect host - smart, engaging, irreverent and funny.”