Mark and Condon to produce the 2009 Oscars

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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Laurence Mark has been tapped to produce and Bill Condon to executive produce the 81st annual Academy Awards telecast in Los Angeles, it was announced.

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Sid Ganis made the announcement Wednesday. This marks Mark and Condon's first involvement in the production of an Oscar show.

"Larry and Bill are fresh thinkers who will bring a unique perspective to the Oscar show," Ganis said in a statement. "That fact, joined with their enormous collective talent and enthusiasm, will serve the 81st awards proceedings perfectly."

Mark produced and Condon wrote and directed the 2006 film "Dreamgirls."

"What a thrill to produce the Oscar show," Mark said. "I'm excited about this opportunity and look forward to the challenge of a live television show that celebrates the very best in film."

"The Oscars are the ultimate recognition of excellent work in movies, and I'm so pleased to be part of putting the show together," Condon added.

Mark's other producing credits include "I, Robot," "The Lookout," "Finding Forrester" and "Jerry Maguire." He also served as executive producer on "As Good As It Gets" and "Working Girl."

Condon wrote the screenplay for "Chicago" and wrote and directed "Kinsey," as well as "Gods and Monsters."

The 81st Academy Awards presentation is to be telecast live by the ABC Television Network Feb. 22, 2009.