Oscar® Update: Producers named for telecast

With less than 150 days out from the 82nd Academy Awards telecast, Academy President Tom Sherak got the ball rolling by naming Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman producers of the ceremony.

This will be the first major Oscar show involvement for both men, Sherak said Tuesday.

Mechanic is the chairman and CEO of Pandemonium Films and the former chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment. Prior to Fox, he served in executive positions at the Walt Disney Company and Paramount. Mechanic’s producer credits include “Coraline” and “Dark Water” (2005).

“The last time I was on the show was as a dancer, and to come back as a producer is such an unbelievable honor,” Shankman was quoted in the press release.

Shankman’s name may sound familiar to musical and choreography buffs. His directorial credits include “Hairspray” (2007) and other projects he's working on include “Rock of Ages,” “Sinbad,” “Bob: The Musical” and “Bye Bye Birdie.” He also has been a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance" since Season 3.

Set your calendars and countdown clocks for Sunday, March 7, 2010, Oscar Sunday. With Shankman on board, here's hoping we'll get more musical moments in March.

Photos courtesy John Shearer/WireImage.com and Todd Wawrychuk / ©A.M.P.A.S.

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