It took quite a long time, but the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences finally found, er, announced who will produce the 89th Academy Awards. At this rate, however, we’ll be lucky to have a host by Christmas.
Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd will produce this year’s show, following what has been described as a not-so-great partnership between Reginald Hudlin and David Hill. De Luca is a three-time Oscar-nominated producer for “Captain Phillips,” “Moneyball” and “The Social Network.” Todd is currently president of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon‘s Pearl Street Films, which produced potential Best Picture nominee “Live By Night.” She has a diverse résumé, having produced everything from “Alice In Wonderland” to “Austin Powers” to “Celeste And Jesse Forever.” Needless to say, both bring a ton of connections and potential star power to the gig.
READ MORE: Oscar Buzz: In Defense Of The Awards Season
In a release from the Academy, AMPAS president Cheryl Boone Isaacs remarked, “What a talented team. Mike and Jennifer have a great working relationship and a tremendous love and respect of film, and will surely draw from their vast experience to create an exceptional and unforgettable event for movie fans everywhere.”
“We are deeply honored to produce the Academy Awards,” said De Luca and Todd. “We both revere the Oscars and grew up watching them each year with our families. We are so humbled and grateful to be a part of this incredible legacy, and look forward to creating an exciting show that celebrates movies and the power they have to connect us all.”
“We are thrilled to be working with Mike and Jennifer,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “In our meetings, they shared an early vision for the show that is inspired and in keeping with the films they’ve produced: entertaining, unexpected and of the highest caliber.”
READ MORE: Consider This: Is #OscarsSoWhite A Symptom Of Movies Losing (Even More) Ground To TV?
“Mike and Jennifer have an intimate knowledge of the art of filmmaking. Their celebrated successes in storytelling will enhance the Oscar ceremony and capture the magic that sets the medium apart from any other,” said Channing Dungey, President of ABC Entertainment.
There is still no word on who will host the telecast, but last year’s host, Chris Rock, is not expected to return.
The 89th Oscars will be held on Feb. 26, 2017 and broadcast live on ABC and around the world.
Who do you want to host this year’s show?