The producers of “Chicago”, Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, were tapped to produce the upcoming Oscars, which is the first significant move by Howard Koch, the new Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president.
Hiring Meron and Zadan gives indications that a traditional ceremony may be in store for the top movie awards featuring songs, dance and a little bit of comedy. The two filmmakers were also responsible for “Hairspray” and “SMASH”.
Meron and Zadan indicated that they were excited with the opportunity to work with Koch and the people at the Academy in producing the Oscars this year. They are eager to use their experience in bringing something new and extraordinary to the awards show.
Oscars
Prior to the assumption of Koch into the position, Brett Ratner was hired by Tom Sherak, Koch’s predecessor, as producer of the 2012 Oscars in an attempt to make it more appealing to young viewers and modernize the show. However Ratner resigned following the use of a gay slur during the screening of “Tower Heist”. His interview with Howard Stern where he talked about his sex life only made things worse.
Following the resignation of Ratner, Brian Grazer was hired. He turned to Billy Crystal to become the emcee of the ceremony.
Following the hiring of Meron and Zadan, Herndon Graddick, the president of GLAAD or Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, said that the two brought a number of entertaining and powerful stories into the screen.
The entry of the two filmmakers appear to bring in a more traditional Academy Awards, which will be held next year on February 24. The two are popular for pushing the limits of conventional storytelling
The uniqueness of “Chicago”, which first came out in 2002, paved the way for movie musicals into the big screen. The movie also earned six Academy Awards including the Best Picture award.
Koch revealed that the talent and love for movies of the two filmmakers is ideal for the Oscars. They will also bring in a new perspective into the show. The venue for the 85th Academy Awards will be the Dolby Theatre. ABC will televise the ceremony across the United States. A number of networks will also televise the show in over 225 countries around the world.
