Signaling a move to energize the Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has tapped two Oscarcast first-timers to oversee the 81st annual event, with Laurence Mark as producer and writer-director Bill Condon as executive producer.
Vowing there will be surprises, Mark told Daily Variety, "We respect the tradition of the Oscars, and we're happy to uphold those traditions. But it might be a kick to pay attention to the format and vary it & to do both. The show should be classy and fun." Mark said they're very aware of the show's running time, saying, "One of the key words here is streamline. The fanny quotient has to be considered."
Aside from honoring excellence in the year's films in the 81st Oscarcast, Mark and Condon plan to celebrate the experience of movies' i.e., to acknowledge some of the audience favorites. That will certainly make the show more viewer-friendly, since last year's lineup included such pics as "No Country for Old Men," "There Will Be Blood" and "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," which, despite their merits, were not exactly populist films.
Casting them as overseers of the show is a signal that the Acad did not want to go the "safe" and familiar route.
The Oscars have had the same producer for several years. It will be good to shake things up a bit, and the almost sure thing nomination of Heath Ledger should help ratings. All will depend on the host, and that has yet to be decided.
