October 14, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dawn Newell - (310) 247-3000
                       dnewell@oscars.org

	Pop artist Burton Morris has been selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to create the artwork for the commemorative poster for the 76th Academy Awards®.

Beverly Hills, CA — Pop artist Burton Morris has been selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to create the artwork for the commemorative poster for the 76th Academy Awards.

"We've had our eye on Burton for a couple of years," said Academy Executive Director Bruce Davis. "We considered asking him to do something for us last year, but the 75th anniversary seemed to demand a certain solemnity. Burton Morris doesn't do solemn, so we held off and turned him loose on this year's poster."

Often compared to artists Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, Morris uses simplified lines and rich acrylic colors to put his own distinctive spin on American pop culture items.

"Oscar^® is a uniquely recognizable symbol, not only in American culture but throughout the world, and I'm both honored and excited to create a design around such an icon," said Morris.

Morris earned his bachelor of fine arts degree at Carnegie Mellon University in 1986. Four years later, he established the Burton Morris Studios in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

He first gained national attention in the mid-1990's when his artwork was chosen to hang on the set of the NBC television series "Friends," where it has remained throughout the show's run. He has created artwork for national campaigns for Absolut Vodka, Perrier, Gallo Winery and AT&T.

His artwork also has been on display in shows around the globe including a one-man exhibition at Sotheby's Amsterdam.

In addition, Morris was recently chosen by the United States Olympic Committee to be an official artist for the U.S. team at the 2004 Games in Athens.

He will be on hand when the 76th Awards poster design is unveiled at a special event on November 13.

In a nationwide promotional campaign, 50,000 Oscar posters will be distributed beginning in mid-November after the design has been revealed. For the fifth consecutive year, the commemorative poster will be available for purchase beginning on November 13 on the Academy's website, www.oscars.org/publications, or via phone at 1-800-554-1814.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2003 will be presented on Sunday, February 29, 2004, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland^® and televised live by the ABC Television Network at 5 p.m. PST, beginning with a half-hour arrival segment.

Editors: Please note that downloadable photos of Burton Morris are available at http://photos.oscars.org .