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.

Craig Zadan and Neil MeronPartners 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.

Seth MacfarlaneJustin Timberlake
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.