The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that it has tapped industry veteransLynette Howell TaylorandStephanie Allainto produce the 92nd Academy Awards.
If you’re anything like me, your first reaction to this news was, maybe they can getBradley Cooperto host the Oscars, since Howell Taylor produced his directorial debutA Star Is Bornas well asThe Place Beyond the Pines, which pit Cooper againstRyan Gosling. Both films were atop my Top 10 lists in their respective years of release. Allain is no slouch herself, having produced the Oscar-winning (it’s true, look it up!)Hustle & Flow.
“The combined producing talents of Lynette and Stephanie will bring dynamism and excitement to the 92nd Oscars show,” said Academy presidentDavid Rubin. “Their vast production experience ranges from groundbreaking independent film to global blockbuster. We look forward to collaborating with them to bring an unforgettable Oscars event to movie fans around the world.”
Howell Taylor earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination forA Star Is Bornlast year, though she has been making solid films for more than a decade, includingHalf Nelson,Blue Valentine,Captain Fantastic,Big EyesandThe Accountant.The 51 Entertainment founder is also wading into television with HBO’s upcoming limited seriesI Know This Much Is TruestarringMark Ruffaloas twins.
Allain has long championed diverse filmmakers such asJohn Singleton,Robert Rodriguez,Craig Brewer, andJustin Simien, having produced bothHustle & FlowandDear White People.The Homegrown Pictures founder previously served as director of the Los Angeles Film Festival, and she serves on the Board of Women in Film.
The Oscars are moving up on the calendar this year, as the Hollywood’s biggest night will take place on Feb. 9 – two weeks earlier than usual. Oscar madness is starting to ramp up throughout Hollywood, which is currently playing home to AFI Fest, whereClint Eastwood’s late-breaking contenderRichard Jewellwill premiere next week.
