Shaiman named Oscar music director

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Composer Marc Shaiman has agreed to serve as music director for the upcoming 82nd Academy Awards in Los Angeles, the show's producers said.

Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic made the announcement Monday.

"With Marc on board, we are sure to have some great musical and, hopefully, hysterical moments," Mechanic said in a statement.

"Marc was my inspiration and musical partner on 'Hairspray' and he has been responsible for some of the most memorable moments in Oscar history, like Will Ferrell and Jack Black's comedy numbers," added Shankman. "He's a genius! And he'd be the first to tell you!"

Shaiman has earned Academy Award nominations in the Original Score category for his work on "The American President," "The First Wives Club" and "Patch Adams." He also was nominated for Oscars in the Original Song category for "A Wink and a Smile" from "Sleepless in Seattle" and for "Blame Canada" from "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut."

Shaiman's other film credits include "The Bucket List," "Bee Movie," "Hairspray," "A Few Good Men," "Sister Act" and "City Slickers."

The 82nd Academy Awards nominations are to be announced Feb. 2 in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2009 are to be presented March 7 at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live by the ABC Television Network.