Barry Diller Jokes About Jack Warner Being “Succeeded By A Stunt Pilot” As He Takes On Paramount WBD Merger At PGA Awards

Former Paramount and Fox CEO Barry Diller delivered a series of sharp-witted jokes about Hollywood executives including Jack Warner, David Ellison and Harvey Weinstein while presenting the PGA Milestone Award to producer Jason Blum at the Producers Guild of America Awards. Known for his rare public appearances, Diller began his speech with a historical reference to legendary Hollywood moguls Samuel Goldwyn, Adolph Zukor, and Jack Warner, before quipping, 'What would Jack Warner do if he knew he was being succeeded by a stunt pilot?' The apparent jab was directed at current Paramount CEO David Ellison, who recently won the bid for Warner Bros. in a high-profile acquisition. Diller's humor extended to honoree Jason Blum, his 'amigo' and founder of Blumhouse Productions, as well as disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein, indicating his willingness to poke fun at both past and present industry figures. The appearance comes amid Diller's ongoing influence in Hollywood media, where his book 'Who Knew' further establishes his perspectives on the industry's evolution.