Oscar-winning publicist Marvin Levy passed away at the age of 96. The Academy paid a touching tribute to him on social media. For the unversed, Levy was known for handling public relations for renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg and is the only publicist in the history to win an Oscar.
Sharing the heartbreaking news of passing of Marvin Levy, the official Instagram page of The Academy wrote in the caption, ““I never could explain the full range of what the job really entails, but at least now they know I got an Oscar for it.” – Marvin Levy (2018 Governors Awards) We are deeply saddened by the passing of Marvin Levy, a true legend in the world of film publicity. Over his extraordinary career, Marvin shaped the way countless stories were told, standing behind some of the most iconic films in cinematic history. A trusted voice and guiding presence to Steven Spielberg for over fifty years, Marvin was the first and only publicist ever honored with an Oscar—presented to him in 2018 at the Governors Awards. After 96 years Marvin leaves behind a legacy defined by grace, wisdom, and quiet brilliance. Link in bio to watch his full Governors Awards speech.”
Steven Spilberg issued an official statement after the demise of his long term friend. He 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. When it came to handling the press, he had no peer.”
