Hamilton to direct Oscar telecast

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Hamish Hamilton has been hired to direct the upcoming 82nd Academy Awards telecast in Los Angeles, show producers announced Wednesday.

This will be Hamilton's first time directing the Oscar show. The event is to take place Feb. 2.

"Hamish is a first-rate live-show director who will bring enthusiasm, experience and a fresh eye to the table," Oscar producer Adam Shankman said in a statement. "He's also a master of working with all of the latest technology in television production, which speaks to the kind of cutting-edge show Bill and I are planning."

"Adam and I know that having Hamish at the helm will give us the right style and energy for the show we want to produce," added producer Bill Mechanic. "And his approach definitely won't feel like 'business as usual.'"

Hamilton has directed many of the most celebrated live televised events in recent memory, including the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards, in addition to live concert performances by musical artists such as U2, Neil Diamond, Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera. He is also to direct the Super Bowl XLIV half-time show this February.