Hamish Hamilton will direct the 82nd Academy Awards telecast, show producers Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman announced today. It will be Hamilton's first time directing the Oscar show.

"Hamish is a first-rate live-show director who will bring enthusiasm, experience and a fresh eye to the table," said Shankman. "He's also a master of working with all of the latest technology in television production, which speaks to the kind of cutting-edge show Bill and I are planning."

"Adam and I know that having Hamish at the helm will give us the right style and energy for the show we want to produce," added Mechanic. "And his approach definitely won't feel like 'business as usual.'"

Hamilton has directed many of today's most celebrated live televised events including the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards, in addition to live concert performances by such renowned musical artists as U2, Neil Diamond, Josh Groban, Stevie Wonder, and Christina Aguilera, among many others. In February 2010, he will direct the Super Bowl XLIV half-time show.

The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 5:30 a.m. PT in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.