April 19, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leslie Unger - (310) 247-3000

                        lunger@oscars.org

Beverly Hills, CA - Oil paintings, watercolors, architectural plans, actual set pieces and props, photographs and video clips will be included in an exhibition of the work of Academy Award^®-winning production designer Eugenio Zanetti that opens at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on May 5. Like all exhibitions at the Academy, "Eugenio Zanetti: Film Dreams and Haunting Visions" will be free and open to the public.

Zanetti's credits as a production designer and/or set decorator in Hollywood include "Slamdance" (1987), "Flatliners" (1990), "Soapdish" (1991), "Last Action Hero" (1993), "Tall Tale" (1995), "Warriors of Virtue" (1997) and "The Haunting" (1999). For his work on "What Dreams May Come" (1998), Zanetti was nominated for an Academy Award; he took home an Oscar statuette for art direction for "Restoration" (1995).

Zanetti's designs mix Gothic, Moroccan, neoclassical, baroque, Romanesque and other elements to create settings that play pivotal roles in the films. Also included will be works Zanetti has created for as-yet unrealized projects.

Born in Argentina, Zanetti began his career in Hollywood after already enjoying much success in theater, opera and film in South America and Europe. An internationally recognized painter, Zanetti has also been a prize-winning director of musicals and dramatic plays, a set and costume designer for plays, musicals and operas, and the author of two plays.

"Eugenio Zanetti: Film Dreams and Haunting Visions" will continue at the Academy through July 9 at the Academy Galleries. Viewing hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from noon to 6 p.m. The Academy is located 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call 310-247-3600.