The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has named two first-timers as producers of next year's Oscars show, the first step in planning the ceremony and choosing a host. Hollywood movie and television producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd will produce the show on February 26 that will be broadcast around the world, the Academy said in a statement on Friday. The Academy has been unusually late this year announcing who will produce the 2017 ceremony, or host it. Black comedian Chris Rock hosted the 2016 Oscars amid a controversy over the all-white acting nominee lineup and the wider lack of diversity in the industry. The Oscar producers have a major say in deciding who will host the more than three-hour show, and also in imparting its tone, theme and look.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 04, 2016 23:51 UTC