Movies Features

ANALYSIS: Oscars need a refresh to stay relevant

Mar 1, 2010, 9:35 GMT

Oscar statuette sits at R.S. Owens in Chicago, Illinois, USA, 18 February 2010. EPA/KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI

Los Angeles - 'You've Never Seen Oscar Like This.' That's the tagline chosen by producers of the 82nd Oscars, which will air Sunday night across the world hoping to avoid becoming just another reality TV show, only with big, big stars.

Though it remains Hollywood's ultimate accolade, the Oscar are no longer the attraction they once were. Viewers have deserted the show by the millions over recent years, distracted by the internet and turned off by often stodgy presentations and the esoteric films that dominate the nominees.

But this could be different this year. The interest in joint top nominee Avatar could draw millions of new fans, and the programme's producers are hoping they will do enough to keep their interest.

Producer Bill Mechanic is promising something 'exceptional, as opposed to just good' telling the industry website The Wrap that the show will be 'fun, funny - very emotional.'

He failed to provide any details on how he plans to rejuvenate the often tired extravaganzas of recent years, which everyone complains have continued for far too long.

He did tell of two buzzwords that are guiding the production: 'interconnectivity' and 'organic' which probably means the show will be snappier, with segments flowing naturally and more clearly linked to the top film nominations.

Producers have also let reporters catch a peak at the set, which will feature actors appearing from different spots, including from behind hidden screens. The two-level stage will include three revolving platforms and a multitude of mirrors designed to bring the audience and performers into closer contact.

The show will be hosted by two veteran funny-men, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, but producers are looking to a pack of young stars like Miley Cyrus, Zac Efron, Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart to bring back the youthful viewers who are essential to the Oscars' future. They even signed up Joel Madden to be the show's the official DJ of the Academy Awards.

Also announced as presenters are Baron Cohen, Tyler Perry, Jason Bateman, Steve Carell, Tina Fey and Ben Stiller as well as past Oscar winners Penelope Cruz, Kate Winslet and Sean Penn.

The Oscar organizers are do determined that viewers will have fun, they've even established an Oscar party kit they can download at http://www.oscars.org/partykit, which includes printable Oscar-night ballots and how-to videos showing how to make party dishes and deserts, and recipes for movie-themed cocktails.