Marc Shaiman is music director for 82nd Academy Awards

Marc Shaiman has been named music director for the 82nd Academy Awards.

The prolific composer-arranger, who has three Oscar nominations for original score ("The American President," 1995; "First Wives Club," 1996; and "Patch Adams," 1998) and two for original song (1994's "A Wink and a Smile" from "Sleepless in Seattle;" and "Blame Canada" from "South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut" in 2004) to his name, has a long association with the awards telecast -- he won an Emmy for his inspired song-medleys for Billy Crystal's stint as host of the the 64th Academy Awards in 1992, and netted two others for 1991 and 2004 -- and his 2009 tenure will reunite him with "Hairspray" director Adam Shankman, who is serving as producer of the show along with Bill Mechanic. 

The nominations for the 82nd Academy Awards will be announced on Feb. 2, 2010, with the ceremony taking place March 7 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

-- Paul Gaita

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Photo: Al Seib / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Robert]

This is the guy who forced the resignation of a theater manager because he excercised his right as a citizen to vote on an issue and contribute to its publicity. Shaiman believes that California should recognize gay marriage. He also believes that if you don't agree with him, he will ruin your professional life if he can. The theater worker was a Mormon and he was expressing his religion's viewpoint. Shaiman acted like the Taliban- his way or the highway.Screw the ballot; screw your religion; just don't screw around with PC composers.