While we here at Women and Hollywood had many problems with the Oscars executive produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, the Academy is very pleased that the show was able to bring in that coveted young male demographic.  They are so happy that they made the early decision to rehire Meron and Zadan to be the 2014 producers for the event which will take place next March 2.  

Here’s the statement by Academy CEO Dawn Hudson: 

Craig and Neil have great relationships, a sense of showmanship, and a passion for our Academy…And they’re a pleasure to work with.  All perfect qualities for our show.

Host Seth MacFarlane has said that he will not return again.  It would be really smart if they locked in Tina Fey and Amy Poehler right now, but I know that is my wishful thinking since they already hosted the Golden Globes.  My second choice would be Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy who look to have terrific timing and chemistry in the upcoming The Heat.

The producers for the telecast are not usually chosen this early in the cycle and this year, according to Deadline, the decision was made by outgoing president Hawk Koch as a “present” for his successor.  Deadline writes that picking the producer is one of the biggest perks of being the Academy president so whoever gets the job will be stuck with the choices.  But since the Board of Governors signed off on the decision, it seems that the Academy leadership is happy with round 2 with Meron and Zadan.

I really hope, but I doubt, that the folks in the Academy learned some lessons from last year’s awards and will pick someone — or someones — to host who will have some more respect for women.

After High-Rated Oscars, Academy Brings Back Zadan and Meron to Produce Next Year’s Show (Thompson on Hollywood)

Women Deserved Better at the 2013 Oscars (Women and Hollywood) 

Oscars Producers: Hawk Koch’s Chutzpah Tops Even Tom Sherak’s (Deadline)