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Marc Shaiman Named Music Director and Conductor for Billy Crystal

Beverly Hills, CA - Oscar(R)-nominated composer Marc Shaiman will serve as musical director and conductor for Billy Crystal at the 76th Academy Awards(R) Presentation, telecast producer Joe Roth announced today.

"Marc's significant talent is evident in the memorable films and television shows that he has worked on, as well as his Broadway musical version of "Hairspray," said Roth. "His contribution to the musical architecture of the 76th Academy Awards show will make him a tremendous addition to the production team."

Shaiman has been nominated five times for Academy Awards. He has received three Best Original Score nominations for his work: in 1995 for "The American President," in 1996 for "The First Wives Club" and in 1998 for "Patch Adams." Shaiman also received nominations in the Original Song category for "A Wink and a Smile" from 1993's "Sleepless in Seattle," and for "Blame Canada" from 1999's "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut." In addition, Shaiman won an Emmy Award for co-writing Billy Crystal's "Oscar Medleys" for the 72nd Academy Awards telecast and recently won a Tony Award and a Grammy for his work on "Hairspray."

His work currently can be heard in the feature film "The Cat in the Hat." Shaiman also recently worked on "Down with Love" starring Renée Zellweger and "Alex & Emma" starring Kate Hudson.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2003 will be presented on Sunday, February 29, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland(R) and televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST, beginning with a half-hour arrival segment.

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Originally posted by JeffBond:
In other words--thank God for Tivo! I can always fast forward through the Billy Crystal segments...

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The material they do at the Oscars is often extremely corny, but Billy Crystal is a funny guy and For my money, the best of the Oscar hosts since Bob Hope. Just be glad they didn't invite Letterman back!

"I would have worn MY swan, but that was SO last year!"

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Originally posted by JoeInSanDiego:
Steve Martin WAS a great host!! Classic Academy line of all time:

"I would have worn MY swan, but that was SO last year!"

Joe

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Billy Crystal as an Oscar host doesn't annoy me, but I think that's the best I can say about him. Marc Shaiman should be good.

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Harold Wheeler Named Music Conductor for the 76th Academy Awards(R)

Beverly Hills, CA -Conductor-arranger Harold Wheeler will grace the Oscar(R) podium at the 76th Academy Awards, telecast producer Joe Roth announced today. This will be his first time conducting the Academy Awards Orchestra.

Wheeler has worked as orchestrator and musical director on a multitude of television events including "The People's Choice Awards," " VH1 Honors," "The Essence Awards," the Emmys, Grammys and "American Film Institute Awards."

Wheeler became the youngest conductor on Broadway when Burt Bachrach heard him play and asked him to work on "Promises Promises." Since then, the Tony-nominated orchestrator has been responsible for some of Broadway's most memorable musicals including "Hairspray," "The Full Monty," "Swing," "Dreamgirls," "A Chorus Line" and "The Wiz." Currently he is the music orchestrator for "Never Gonna Dance," which opened on Broadway in December.

His film credits include composing the score for "Love! Valour! Compassion!," musical director for "Cotton Comes to Harlem" and "Fortune and Men's Eyes" and arranger for "Hercules," "The Kid" and "City Slickers II."

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