Academy Awards producers Meron and Zadan step down

MUMBAI: After producing the Oscars for three consecutive years, Neil Meron and Craig Zadan have decided not to return for a fourth stint. 

Zadan and Meron will not be back to take charge of The Academy Awards next year, after fulfilling the terms of a secret contract they signed when they first accepted the job. 

“Craig and Neil have been wonderful creative partners over the last three years, contributing some of the most innovative and memorable Oscar moments. They are true showmen with enormous talent and expertise. We’re looking forward to seeing the exciting projects they have in the works,” said Academy president Cheryl Boone-Isaacs.

During their three-year terms, the producer duo brought on board Seth MACFarlane, Ellen DeGeneres and Neil Patrick Harris as the host for the Oscars.