David Hill and Reginald Hudlin to produce next Oscars
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced today (Tuesday, September 1, 2015), in a press release that Emmy-winning producer David Hill (21st Century Fox) and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Reginald Hudlin ("Django Unchained") will produce the nextAcademy Awards. This will be the first time for both men to be involved with producing the Oscars. As interesting as this is, the big question remains: Who will be hosting the next Oscars? The 88th Oscars telecast will air on Oscar Sunday, February 28, 2016, on the ABC Television Network at 7 pm ET/4 pm PT.
“We're delighted to have this talented team on board,” said President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “David is a true innovator with a dynamic personality. His vast experience as a live eventsproducer, coupled with Reggie’s energy, creativity and talent as a filmmaker, is sure to make this year’s Oscar telecast a memorable one.”
"What a great and exciting honor! The quest is to honor the year in film, honor the art, and above all, make it fun," said Hill.
“I’m looking forward to working with the Academy again,” said Hudlin. “I love every kind of film and this year’s awards will be a celebration of the total range of cinema.”
“We're excited to work with David and Reggie,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “With their enthusiasm and breadth of experience, they will bring a fresh perspective to the Oscar show.”
David Hill was an executive with the Fox network of companies for over 25 years. His most recent job as executive vice president of 21st Century Fox, which had Hill overseeing digital initiatives and programming across the globe. Hill also served as CEO and chairman of Fox Sports Media Group.
David Hill started his career in Great Britain with the parent company News Corporation, a job in which he helped create Sky Television and the very popular Sky Sports. Hill won an Emmy in 2011 for Outstanding Live Sports Special, producing the 2011 World Series. Hill also worked two years producing the popular singing competition "American Idol." Just recently, Hill left Fox and started his own production company named Hilly.
Reginald Hudlin is an executive, producer, director and writer and received an Oscar nomination in 2012 for the Quentin Tarantino film, "Django Unchained." Hudlin has had success on the small and big screens, producing the hit television series, "The Boondocks" and making films, including "Boomerang."
Perhaps as a test for his producing skills Hudlin produced the last year's Governors Awards, in which the Oscar bestow honorary Oscars yearly. Hudlin is an active member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Writers Guild of America, Directors Guild of America, Screen Actors Guild and the Producers Guild of America. He also is a board member on the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television.