Last year, producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron put together an Oscars ceremony that focused on musicals. This year, the two have decided to focus on ‘Movie Heroes.’ The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences said that a special display at its headquarters will have the same focus.
Zadan and Meron explained that they wanted an “entertaining and emotional theme” for their second ceremony.
“People around the world go to the movies to be inspired by the characters they see on the screen,” the two continued. “By celebrating the gamut of heroes who have enriched our movie-going experience, we hope to create an evening of fun and joy. And that includes the filmmakers and actors who take risks and stimulate us with provocative subjects and daring characters. They are all heroes in the cinematic landscape.”
While this is a heavy theme, Zadan and Meron promised that host Ellen DeGeneres will have plenty of opportunities to lighten the mood. They also teased that some surprise musical numbers would be thrown in.
From Jan. 17 to Feb. 5, the Academy will feature a “Movie Heroes” display at its Beverly Hills headquarters’ Grand Lobby Gallery. This will include photos, posters and movie clips from movie heroes spanning the nine decades of film and focusing on 70 movies.
The news comes just a couple of days before the Oscar nominations are announced on Thursday.Considering the focus on movie heroes, the Academy picked Australian actor Chris Hemsworth to make the announcement. Hemsworth plays Thor in the Marvel films.
The Oscars ceremony is set for March 2 and will air live on ABC.
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