'Hairspray' director will produce the Oscars

Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic will produce the 82nd Oscar telecast

By Daniel Fienberg Tuesday, Oct 20, 2009 4:39 PM

Adam Shankman

Credit: Matt Sayles/AP

ABC announced on Tuesday (Oct. 20) that "Hairspray" helmer Adam Shankman and veteran producer Bill Mechanic will produce the 82nd Oscar telecast.

"I couldn’t be happier to have this talented team on board," says Tom Sherak, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "I’ve known Bill for many years, so it’s like putting Oscar in the care of a dear friend. Bill has a tremendous love and respect of film and will draw from his vast experience as a producer, a studio executive and a film historian to help make this year’s Oscar telecast a memorable one. And Adam’s experience in producing, directing and especially choreography will be a huge asset to the production."

This will be the first major Oscar show involvement for either man, at least with the telecast itself.

Mechanic is the former chairman and CEO for FOX Filmed Entertainment and during his time at Fox, the studio released Oscar favorites including "Braveheart" and "Titanic." Mechanic may have a stake in this year's Oscars as one of the producers on the feature "Coraline," a front-runner for an animated nomination.

"I’m thrilled to be producing the Oscars with Adam," Mechanic says in the ABC statement. "I think Adam has the perfect background and spirit to make the show both unique and fun to watch. Together we will build upon the best traditions from the great shows of the past while helping pave the way to the future."

Shankman is currently one of the busiest men in entertainment. In addition to directing credits like "Bedtime Stories" and "The Wedding Planner," Shankman's production slate includes "Step Up 3D" and "Going the Distance." On the small screen, Shankman recently committed to regular judging duties on FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance." In addition, Shankman is producing FOX's December special "Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special."

"The last time I was on the show was as a dancer, and to come back as a producer is such an unbelievable honor," states Shankman. "I look forward to collaborating with Bill to celebrate the world’s collective love of movies and provide a fun escape from the difficult times we’re living in. Simply put, there is no show like the Oscars, and I am thrilled to be a part of our industry’s most treasured tradition."

The 82nd Oscar Telecast will take place on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at the Kodak Theatre. An announcement of the show's host is expected in the very near future.

Daniel Fienberg
Executive Editor

A long-time member of the TCA Board and a longer-time blogger of "American Idol," Dan Fienberg writes about TV, except for when he writes about movies or sometimes writes about the Red Sox. But never music. He would sound stupid talking about music.