Perhaps less musicals this time, guys.
Despite widespread criticism – although primarily directed at the host, Seth Macfarlane – The Oscars 2013 was considered a success by The Academy due to the high ratings, especially in the much coveted demographic of ‘young people’.
And in that light, the decision to bring Caig Zadan and Neil Meron back as producers seems less strange. The ceremony was rich in set pieces; Macfarlane, Joseph Gordon Levitt and Daniel Radcliffe did a number, as did the entire crew of Les Miserables. Turns out, people love all that.
Partners in crime - Zadan [L] and Meron [R] will work on The Oscars again
“Craig and Neil have the overwhelming support of the Academy’s Governors to produce the Oscars again in 2014,” said Academy prexy Hawk Koch in a statement. “In order to establish continuity with this year’s enormously successful show, we felt it was important to give these consummate professionals the green light now to begin creating another great evening.”
Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said “Craig and Neil have great relationships, a sense of showmanship and a passion for our Academy. And they’re a pleasure to work with. All perfect qualities for our show.” Some have argued that the ratings bump was due to a more media-friendly set of nominees; Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence certainly drew a different crowd, while others maintain the musicals were just too much.
Would Timberlake [R] do a better job than Macfarlane [L]?
Meron and Zadan said: “We are very honored to have been asked to return as Oscar producers for a second year. We look forward to creating a distinctive and entertaining show.” As of yet, there is no word on the host, but Justin Timberlake has been mooted, and seems a popular choice.
Good news: Steven Soderbergh's well-publicised retirement from directing only lasted about four years. He's back...
Jimmy and Clyde Logan are two down-and-out brothers from West Virginia. Jimmy has been fired...
The quality of the animation in this musical comedy may not be up to Pixar...
Buster Moon is one of the good guys, he's a koala who's lived his life...
Fans of the surprise 2012 hit Ted will find plenty to love in this sequel,...
With the marriage between Ted (Seth MacFarlane) and Tami-Lynn (Jessica Barth) having gone off and...
Ted (Seth MacFarlane) is getting married. The next thing the couple have on their to-do...
After the success of Ted, Seth MacFarlane gives himself his first leading-man role in this...
Albert is a rather introverted sheep farmer who tries at all costs to avoid confrontation...
Albert is one of the more lucky men living in his doomed Arizona town, mainly...
Albert is a sheep farmer who, unlike most men in his small Arizona town, is...