Brian Grazer Steps In to Produce the Oscars

BURBANK: Brian Grazer is to produce the 84th Academy Awards with Don Mischer, following Brett Ratner stepping away from the duties over a fallout from making an anti-gay slur.

This will mark Grazer’s first time producing the Oscar’s telecast, which will be presented on February 26, 2012, live on ABC. Earlier this week, Ratner resigned as a producer after coming under harsh criticism for using an anti-gay slur, and giving a vulgar interview on The Howard Stern Show.

"He did the right thing for the Academy and for himself," said Tom Sherak, the president of the Academy. "Words have meaning, and they have consequences. Brett is a good person, but his comments were unacceptable. We all hope this will be an opportunity to raise awareness about the harm that is caused by reckless and insensitive remarks, regardless of the intent."

Subsequently, Eddie Murphy pulled out of his hosting duties. Murphy’s latest film, Tower Heist, was directed by Ratner.

Commented Murphy, "First and foremost I want to say that I completely understand and support each party’s decision with regard to a change of producers for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I’m sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job."

“Brian Grazer is a renowned filmmaker who, over the past 25 years, has produced a diverse and extraordinary body of work,” added Sherak. “He will certainly bring his tremendous talent, creativity and relationships to the Oscars.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Brian Grazer as my partner and that we will be collaborating to produce an outstanding show,” echoed Mischer.

“It’s very gratifying to be part of a show that honors excellence in the medium to which I have devoted so much of my career,” said Grazer. “Don is a legend, and I am excited to work with him.”

“I too am delighted that Brian will join Don in producing the Academy Awards, and I am looking forward to our producers delivering the movie event of the year,” commented Academy CEO Dawn Hudson.