ABC and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that they have expanded their agreement for eight more years, in which the Network will remain home to the Oscars^®, Hollywood’s biggest entertainment ceremony of the year, through 2028. The new agreement for the domestic network of the Academy Awards^® adds eight years to the existing contract, which was scheduled to expire in 2020. 

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that 12 distinct scientific and technical investigations have been launched for the 2016 Oscars.

These investigations are made public so individuals and companies with devices or claims of innovation within these areas will have the opportunity to submit achievements for review.

Renowned musician and Grammy^® Award nominee Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, with his band Orleans Avenue, is set to perform at the Governors Ball, the Academy’s official post-Oscars^® celebration, on Sunday, February 28.  The group will entertain the Ball’s 1,500 guests, which will include Oscar^® winners and nominees, show presenters and performers, and other luminaries.

Producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin today announced 14 key members of the production team for the 88th Oscars®, which will air live on Sunday, February 28, on ABC.

This year’s “The Oscars® Backstage” on Oscar.com, which is the ultimate second screen experience for fans watching the show, will be hosted by a multi-talented group of TV personalities, including actor/writer/producer Orlando Jones, actress and TV personality Diane Mizota, actor Matt Shively, film critic and entertainment reporter Ben Lyons, and entertainment and sports reporter Chris Connelly.

Oscar winners Morgan Freeman and John Legend have been added to the list of presenters along with J.J. Abrams, Sacha Baron Cohen and Henry Cavill for the 88th Oscars® telecast. Oscar producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin also announced a special performance by Dave Grohl for the 88th annual event, hosted by Chris Rock, airing live Oscar Sunday, February 28, on ABC.  

The Academy announced today that Polich Tallix Fine Art Foundry, based in Rock Tavern, New York, will exclusively create its iconic Oscar statuettes, starting with the 88th Academy Awards.  In a process that returns to the Oscar’s fine art roots, the statuettes will now be hand-cast in bronze before receiving its 24-karat gold finish.

To ensure public safety, support security strategies and facilitate the production of this year’s Oscars®, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the City of Los Angeles have finalized street closure plans around the Dolby Theatre™ at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood.

Six Oscar Winners Join Presenter Line Up

Oscars producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced today a third slate of presenters for the 88th Oscars telecast. The Oscars, hosted by Chris Rock, will air live Oscar^® Sunday, February 28, on ABC.  

The presenters, including several Oscar winners, are: