DGA President Michael Apted on the Death of Elia Kazan

"Elia Kazan was simply one of the best and most enduring filmmakers of all time. The fact that he was regarded so by his professional colleagues is significant, but it is the millions of movie-goers who continue to be affected by his films that tells the real story about this remarkable director. Movies like On the Waterfront, for which he won the DGA Award for Theatrical Direction in 1954, not only entertained and mesmerized us but examined humankind from the inside out.

But it was not only his filmic achievements for which he should be remembered; as a long-time board member of the Guild he recognized that in addition to negotiating for the economic and working rights of directors, that the cultural side of film and filmmaking should be a high priority in the Guild's activities and co-founded the DGA Special Projects department to recognize and remember the artistic achievements of directors.

Presented the DGA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987 for distinguished achievement in motion picture direction, his significant contributions to the craft of directing have influenced filmmakers of each generation during his long and prolific life -- and will continue to do so even in his death."

-Michael Apted
President, Directors Guild of America

"Special Projects was Elia Kazan's concept. He thought the Guild should be interested in more than just the all-important matter of getting the best contracts, deals and working conditions. He and I talked and we agreed that there are other aspects to our lives, the cultural side of film and filmmaking should be given a spot in the Guild's activities. It was his concept. I got it started out here on the west coast and we eventually got the east coast branch as well."

-Robert Wise