Don Mischer, who has both directed and co-produced the last two Academy Awards shows, will be back in the director's chair for the 85th Oscars, show producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced on Thursday.
One of the most experienced and honored directors in the awards-show field, Mischer produced the 83rd Oscars with Bruce Cohen and 84th with Brian Grazer. He served as the show's director for both of those years.
His company, Don Mischer Productions, will also produce the Oscar pre-show and co-produce this year's Governors Awards with Cheryl Boone Isaacs.
His selection gives Zadan and Meron, both first-time Oscar-show producers whose only previous awards show experience was on the 2006 GLAAD Media Awards, a well-liked veteran calling the shots on the night of the show — even if the job will carry less responsibility than Mischer shouldered the last two years.
"For a very long time, we had always hoped to work with Don Mischer," said Zadan and Meron in an AMPAS press release announcing the selection. 'His talent and reputation are unsurpassed and we're so happy he will be our collaborator on the 85th Academy Awards."
In the release, Mischer commented, "I am so very excited to be directing the Academy Awards again this year and to be working with creative producers like Craig and Neil," said Mischer. "All of us at Don Mischer Productions are also thrilled … to continue a wonderfully gratifying relationship with the Academy."
Mischer received Emmy nominations for directing the last two Oscar shows. Overall, he has won 15 Emmys, 10 DGA Awards and a Peabody Award, among others.
Don Mischer Productions will produce the Oscar pre-show for the fourth consecutive year, with Charlie Haykel and Juliane Hare taking charge for the company. Mischer Productions will also be handling the Governors Awards for the fourth time in that show's four-year history.
The 85th Oscars will take place on Sunday, Feb. 24 at the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center.
