Home » Film & TV » Academy Awards » Latest Academy News: Producer Named, and More

Latest Academy News: Producer Named, and More

© Jason O'Brien

So as film year 2003 starts to move from the noisy and often times disappointing blockbusters of summer to the more serious film fare of the fall and winter, the Academy is starting to get things together for the next Academy Awards, the 76th Annual in February. Before we get to all the latest news from the Academy, it's time for some quick reflections of my own on the summer of 2003 at the movies.

I'll discuss their Oscar chances more in depth at a future date, but for now, some of my own brief personal reactions. What I disliked the most this summer was how much it seemed one action film after another had to simply see if it could top another with even bigger and more unbelievable action sequences. It was a noisy summer of some truly mindless crap ... I'm thinking BAD BOYS II and CHARLIE'S ANGELS 2: FULL THROTTLE particularly. Sequels were mostly hit and miss, although I admired TERMINATOR 3 a bit better than I thought I would. I think the boldness of ending the film the way they did impressed me more than anything, and made me anxious for a TERMINATOR 4. I personally loved SEABISCUIT, thought it represented solid filmmaking to bring an inspiring true story to life, and could receive some Oscar attention. THE MATRIX RELOADED contained very interesting ideas and changes in the story, and managed to impress with its action sequences, especially the freeway chase. DOWN WITH LOVE was an enjoyable experiment, FINDING NEMO was one of the most enjoyable and gorgeous animated films ever made, THE HULK was hard to call, HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE disappointed, S.W.A.T. was perhaps one of the most enjoyable action films of the summer, and just what the hell was ANYONE thinking making a turkey like GIGLI? Wow, was that one an embarrassment ...

But that was summer, and soon we will be getting into some of the more interesting films of the year as we wind down towards the beginning of the film awards season.

The first big piece of news coming from the Academy in recent weeks is that the producer of the next Oscar telecast has been announced. The Academy is bringing on a first time Oscar show producer with former studio chief and film producer Joe Roth. Roth headed up three different film studios before creating Revolution Studios in 2000. He's directed four films, and produced or co-produced over three dozen films in the past 25 years. "The Academy Awards are the ultimate celebration of the motion picture industry, and to be chosen as the producer of this iconic event is an honor," said Roth. "I have been involved in filmmaking for almost 30 years, and the opportunity to recognize the remarkable achievements of this year's honorees is an exciting undertaking. With the support and dedication of all those involved, I am confident that it will be a memorable show for audiences around the world."