The motion picture academy announced Tuesday that TV exec David Hill and film producer Reginald Hudlin will produce the 88th annual edition of the Academy Awards that will air live on ABC on Feb. 28. While Hudlin oversaw last year’s non-televised Governors Awards, which honored Harry Belafonte, Jean-Claude Carrière, Hayao Miyazaki and Maureen O’Hara, it is the first time for either to be involved with the main event. Job one for this newly formed producing team will be to find a host.
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Hudlin was a producer of 2012 Best Picture nominee “Django Unchained.” He also wrote and directed the hit 1990 comedy “House Party.” On television, he executive produced “The Boondocks” and directed episodes of “Modern Family,” “Murder in The First,” “New Girl” and “The Office.” Since 2012, he has been the executive producer of the annual NAACP Image Awards. This multi-hyphenate was an exec at BET for five years beginning in 2005. And one of his first credits was as an actor in “She’s Gotta Have It,” the 1986 film that launched Spike Lee, one of this year’s Governors Awards recipients.
Hill has a strong background in live television production, including several seasons of the ratings juggernaut “American Idol” and various Fox Sports events. He won the Best Live Sports Special Emmy in 2011 for the World Series. Hill stepped down as a senior EVP at 21st Century Fox in June to hang out his own shingle.
In making the announcement, academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs said, “We’re delighted to have this talented team on board. David is a true innovator with a dynamic personality. His vast experience as a live events producer, coupled with Reggie’s energy, creativity and talent as a filmmaker, is sure to make this year’s Oscar telecast a memorable one.” Added academy CEO Dawn Hudson, “We’re excited to work with David and Reggie. With their enthusiasm and breadth of experience, they will bring a fresh perspective to the Oscar show.”
Said Hill, “What a great and exciting honor! The quest is to honor the year in film, honor the art, and above all, make it fun.” And Hudlin added, “I’m looking forward to working with the academy again. love every kind of film and this year’s awards will be a celebration of the total range of cinema.”
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