Marc Shaiman named Oscar music director

Won Emmy award for his work on 64th Academy Awards

By Borys Kit

Nov 23, 2009, 02:00 PM ET

Marc Shaiman has been named as the 82nd Academy Awards' music director.

The move reunites the composer with Adam Shankman, who is producing the awards with Bill Mechanic. Shankman and Shaiman worked together on 2007's "Hairspray."

"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," said Shankman in a statement. "He's a genius! And he'd be the first to tell you!"

Shaiman has worked on the Oscar show on three previous occasions, which netted him Emmy nominations. He won the Emmy in 1992 for co-writing Billy Crystal's "Oscar Medley" for the 64th Academy Awards.

Shaiman has been nominated for best original score for his work on "The American President," 1995; "The First Wives Club," 1996; and "Patch Adams," 1998. He also received nominations in the original song category for "A Wink and a Smile" from 1993's "Sleepless in Seattle," and for "Blame Canada" from 1999's "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut."

The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced on February 2, 2010, while the ceremony takes place March 7.

Marc Shaiman named Oscar music director

Won Emmy award for his work on 64th Academy Awards

By Borys Kit

Nov 23, 2009, 02:00 PM ET