The Muppets may have taken Manhattan, but they’re getting a spiffy new home in Queens.BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – The producers of the Academy Awards have good news for those watching at home: They’re trying to cut out the boring parts.
Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron say they watched 40 years of past ceremonies to find ways to keep the show moving at a brisk pace. They say they’re looking to nip and tuck what they call little “pregnant pauses” that can turn the show into a marathon.
At an annual lunch honoring Oscar nominees, Zadan and Meron said they identified time-consuming segments that might run only 15 or 30 seconds but which collectively can bog down the show.
Zadan and Meron said they have moments planned that should appeal to all ages and interests, including performances by Adele, Norah Jones and Barbra Streisand and a tribute to the James Bond franchise.
The ceremony airs live Feb. 24 on ABC.
– Associated Press
