Hamilton to Direct Oscars

Hamish Hamilton will direct the 82nd Academy Awards telecast, show producers Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman announced Wednesday. This will be his first time directing the telecast, though he has directed live television events such as the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards in addition to live concert performances by such renowned musical artists as U2, Neil Diamond, Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder, and Christina Aguilera, among many others. In February 2010, he will direct the Super Bowl XLIV half-time show.

"Hamish is a first-rate live-show director who will bring enthusiasm, experience and a fresh eye to the table," commented Shankman. "He's also a master of working with all of the latest technology in television production, which speaks to the kind of cutting-edge show Bill and I are planning."

The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PST in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented on Sunday, March 7 at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live by ABC. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.