Award Central News

Gig will mark the first time Goodman has directed the awards, replacing longtime director Louis Horvitz, who was at the helm of the Oscarcast since 1997.

Goodman will join first-time Oscar producers Laurence Mark and Bill Condon in their bid to refresh the live telecast, which has seen its viewership drop in recent years.

Goodman, who’s already started working with the Academy on the show, also will be a part of ABC News’ coverage of this year’s presidential inauguration and has previously worked on Super Bowl half-time shows and the Daytime Emmy Awards, among other live-event telecasts.

The 81st Academy Awards will be held Feb. 22 at the Kodak Theater and telecast on ABC.