November 19, 2009

The Oscars get a director...

...and it's Hamish Hamilton, according to this in Variety:

Continuing its mantra of shaking up the status quo, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has tapped Hamish Hamilton to direct the 82nd Oscar ceremonies.

Like the telecast's producers, Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman, Hamilton is a newcomer to Oscar duties.

However, Hamilton has directed many live kudos events for TV, including the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards. He's also helmed live concert perfs by U2, Neil Diamond, Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera, among others. Aside from directing the March 7 Academy Awards, he's set to helm the Super Bowl XLIV half-time show on CBS in February. "Hamish is a first-rate live-show director who will bring enthusiasm, experience and a fresh eye to the table," said Shankman. "He's also a master of working with all of the latest technology in television production, which speaks to the kind of cutting-edge show Bill and I are planning."

In addition to the new faces this year, the Academy introduced the Governors Awards last Saturday, the first time the org has broken off those career nods from the televised ceremonies. (And several people at the event commented about how liberating it was to honor people without the time constraints of TV.)

The 81st ceremonies similarly featured a new team, with producer Laurence Mark, exec producer Bill Condon and director Roger Goodman.

The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced Feb. 2.

-Thoughts?

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