Oscar executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have hired Tony Award-winning choreographer Rob Ashford to stage the 2013 Academy Awards, the 85th in the event’s history.
Ashford won an Emmy in 2009 for his work on the 81st Oscar telecast and has been nominated for eight Tony Awards in his career, winning Best Choreography for “Thoroughly Modern Millie” in 2002.
He worked with Zadan and Meron on a pair of their recent Broadway shows. "Rob successfully directed and choreographed both of our recent Broadway revivals ‘Promises, Promises’ and ‘How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.’ Not only is he uniquely gifted, but we've developed a working shorthand," Meron and Zadan said in a statement. "We are excited to collaborate with him on the Oscars, where we will be utilizing all his talents."
Nominations for the 85th Academy Awards will be announced Jan. 10. The awards ceremony will take place Feb. 24 at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre.
