While Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are claiming that it is their decision, the news that they are not returning was confirmed today.
It’s no surprise. Their first Oscars, hosted by Seth MacFarlane, boasted great music and great ratings–even if the host was a disappointment. Their second Oscars also boasted great music and a superb host, Ellen DeGeneres, along with great ratings. So the musical duo were asked to produce for a third time, which was not the charm.
They allowed rookie host Neil Patrick Harris too much leeway with new writers and the show fell flat in all departments. (Personally, I loved Lady Gaga singing “The Sound of Music” and Common and John Legend’s performance of “Glory” from “Selma.”) But the ratings were down 16% to their lowest point since 2009, when the Academy changed the rules to allow for ten Best Picture nominees.
This may have had more to do with the slate of seven indie Best Picture contenders and one populist studio smash, “American Sniper.” But I can testify that the kudocast did not play in the room.
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