Beverly Hills, CA —Michael Giacchino will serve as the musical director for the 81st Academy Awards®, telecast producer Laurence Mark and executive producer Bill Condon announced today. Though Giacchino has composed music and conducted orchestras for both film and television, this will be his first time with the baton for the Oscar telecast and for a live broadcast.

Michael is an extraordinarily talented and versatile musical artist,” said Mark and Condon in a joint statement. “We couldn’t be happier that he is game to come on board.”

Last year, Giacchino received an Academy Award® nomination for Music – Original Score for his work on the animated film “Ratatouille.” His film credits also include “Speed Racer,” “Mission: Impossible III,” “The Family Stone” and “The Incredibles.” He has also composed and conducted the scores for the upcoming “Star Trek,” “Land of the Lost” and Pixar’s “Up.” In 2005 Giacchino won an Emmy® for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series for “Lost.” His credits also include work on the hit series “Alias” and several interactive games, including titles in the “Medal of Honor” series.

The 81st Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2009, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.