72nd Academy Awards - Production

Production

This was by far one of the most technically ambitious and expensive Oscar productions ever staged. Conceived by late Production Designer Bob Keene, the stage featured five 40-foot-tall (12 m) video towers each capable of producing imagery independently or one large image when grouped together. This scenic element was used to display images of previous Oscar appearances as presenters took the stage, nomination packages, and even the famous five-box when winners were announced. This show set a precedent for the convergence of video and staging technologies that have become nearly ubiquitous in modern concerts and events. This was the first time the ceremony used High Definition clip masters for nomination packages, though the show was not broadcast to the domestic ABC audience in High Definition. The first true HD telecast was in 2002.

This was also one of the longest Oscar productions on record clocking in at just over four hours. Twenty-two cameras covered the event for ABC Television, including six jib arms, two steadicams, one akela crane, and for the first time a rail-cam. There were nearly 200 microphones and over 600 moving light fixtures. The show had nine days of rehearsals.

Music Directors Don Was, Burt Bacharach and Rob Shrock employed extensive use of sequenced and recorded music to give the show a hip flavor, though a full orchestra was also on hand to perform "Blame Canada" and Billy Crystal's opening nominee medley. Musical performers included Phil Collins, Randy Newman, Sarah McLachlan, Aimee Mann, Gloria Estefan, *NSYNC, Garth Brooks, Queen Latifah, Ray Charles, Isaac Hayes, Dionne Warwick, Faith Hill and the University of Southern California drumline and cheerleaders.

Kenny Ortega (director of the popular High School Musical) choreographed "Blame Canada", though the show was billed to be the first without a traditional dance number.

It was during rehearsals for this show that the famous Whitney Houston meltdown occurred, leading show producers to replace her at the last minute with Faith Hill, a friend of Oscar producer, Lili Zanuck.

This was also the first occurrence of using famous faces to serve as the announcer for the telecast. Actor Peter Coyote handled the duties. Glenn Close and Donald Sutherland would announce the 74th show in 2002.

This was the first time a woman held the title of producer on an Oscar telecast. Producer Laura Ziskin would helm the show in 2002 and 2007.