ROGER GOODMAN NAMED DIRECTOR OF THE 81ST ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS(R), AIRING SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2009, ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK

Roger Goodman has been named director of the 81st Academy Awards(R) telecast, producer Laurence Mark and executive producer Bill Condon announced today. This will be Goodman's first time calling the camera shots for the Oscar(R) show.

"Roger has an impressive list of credentials, particularly as relates to live television," said Mark and Condon in a joint statement. "We're thrilled that he'll be bringing his keen eye and dynamic approach to the Oscar show."

Goodman's work as a live events producer-director has spanned news, sports and entertainment. Prior to the Oscar telecast, Goodman will direct ABC News' coverage of the upcoming presidential inauguration. His credits also include the Academy Awards Countdown Show, the Daytime Emmy(R) Awards, Summer and Winter Olympic Games, Super Bowl halftime shows, the Indianapolis 500 and the Kentucky Derby, as well as "20/20," "Primetime," "Nightline" and "Good Morning America."

In addition, Goodman directed and co-executive produced ABC News' 24-hour global news and entertainment coverage of the turning of the millennium, which involved more than 200 cameras, 32 satellites, four control rooms and staff of more than 1,000 technicians. He currently holds the title of vice president, special projects, for the ABC Television Network.

Goodman has earned dozens of news and sports Emmy nominations and has won 25 Emmy Awards. Other honors include three Christopher Awards, three Peabody Awards and two Edward R. Murrow Awards.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented Sunday, February 22, 2009, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center(R), and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries.

About the Academy

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world's preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards � in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners � the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.