Condon and Mark to produce 81st Oscars

Oh bless the maker!…My favorite time of year is almost here….AMPAS announced today that Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Gods and Monsters) and Laurence Mark (Dreamgirls, Jerry Maguire  ) will produce their first Oscar show. “Larry and Bill are fresh thinkers who will bring a unique perspective to the Oscar show,” AMPAS president Sid Ganis said. “That fact, joined with their enormous collective talent and enthusiasm, will serve the 81st Awards proceedings perfectly.” Good! Cuz it was quite apparent last year’s producer, Gil Cates,  has lost his touch  – boooooring! Time to pass the baton, Mr. Ganis… Last year  was Cates 14th assignment as Oscar telecast producer – more than any other individual.

And who has the un-envious task of hosting Hollywood’s big night? “All doors are open,” Mark said. “The casting of any movie is crucial to the success of the movie, and we believe the same is true with any kind of awards show. The casting of the host is a big deal.” No word from them as of yet on if there will be a new or previous host to the party. Hopefully they won’t go with Jon Stewart again.

Academy Award nominations in all categories will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2009. (My favorite morning!!) The 81st Academy Awards presentation will be shown live by the ABC Television Network on Sunday, February 22, 2009.

source: Oscars.org