The 96th Academy Awards, set to air live on Sunday, March 10, 2024, from the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, has announced its key team members. Raj Kapoor, a Canadian of South Asian descent, has been named the executive producer and showrunner for the upcoming Oscars. Joining him in the executive producer role is Katy Mullan, a London native whose childhood dream was to be a part of the Oscars. The prestigious event will be directed by Hamish Hamilton, marking his fourth time leading the show.
Raj Kapoor brings a wealth of experience, having been involved with the Oscars for the past seven years and most recently serving as a producer for the 95th Oscars. Expressing their excitement, Raj and Katy stated, “This is a ‘pinch me’ moment! As movie enthusiasts and lifelong fans of the Oscars, it’s a privilege to lead the team celebrating the global film industry and the incredible talents behind cinematic stories. We are dedicated to making this year’s Oscars a truly remarkable celebration for everyone.”
The Academy’s CEO, Bill Kramer, and President, Janet Yang, released a joint statement praising the expertise and passion of Raj Kapoor, Hamish Hamilton, and Katy Mullan. They emphasized the trio’s deep love for cinema, innovative vision, and extensive experience in live television, which align perfectly with the Academy’s vision for a revitalized awards show.
Supporting this dynamic team are several returning members from last year’s Oscars, ensuring continuity and excellence in the production. Kenny Gravillis, the creative director, along with production designers Misty Buckley and Alana Billingsley, are back on board. Additionally, David Chamberlin, the executive producer of the red carpet show, and creative consultants Lisa Love and Raúl Àvila will make a comeback, enhancing the glamorous prelude to the awards ceremony.
This year’s Oscars will be broadcast exclusively on ABC, a network owned by Disney, which holds the rights to the Academy Awards broadcast until 2028. The announcement of the new team comes after last year’s Oscars faced a significant challenge with their lowest-ever television ratings, prompting a reevaluation and the introduction of fresh perspectives to invigorate the show.
In light of these changes, industry insiders, including Rob Mills, the executive vice president of Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment at Walt Disney Television, expressed full confidence in the vision outlined by Raj Kapoor, Katy Mullan, and Hamish Hamilton. Their collective expertise and dedication to the art of filmmaking promise an Oscars ceremony that not only honors the outstanding achievements of the past year in cinema but also captivates audiences worldwide with its innovation and creativity.
