Academy names Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner producers of 95th Academy Awards, plans to explore streaming options and 'invigorate' ceremony

Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner will serve as executive producers for the 95th Academy Awards, taking place in March 2023. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Bill Kramer announced the producing duo, both of White Cherry Entertainment, on Saturday morning.

In addition to producing, Weiss will lead the ceremony for the eighth consecutive year. The 2023 Oscars will mark Weiss' second time and Kirshner's first time producing the Oscars. Both were operated by the Academy as part of an "emphasis on expertise in the production of live televised events".

"We are thrilled to have Glenn and Ricky at the helm," said Janet Yang, President of Kramer and the Academy. in a joint statement. "We look forward to working closely with them, our Board of Governors and the Board Awards Committee to deliver an exciting and dynamic show."

"Bill made us 'an offer we couldn't refuse,'" Weiss and Kirshner in a joint statement, adopting a line from "The Godfather" about mob intimidation tactics before breaking into a warm tone with a "Jerry Maguire" quote. "But he really 'got us hello'."

At the Academy meeting on Saturday, Kramer also addressed member feedback, opening his remarks stating that there is "a need to reinvigorate the show". To solve this problem, the organization presented plans to create a dedicated team within the Academy solely focused on the awards ceremony, enriching the status of the pre-show red carpet event and s tackling the best way to honor craft winners. The Academy faced backlash this year for its decision to announce the results of certain lower-line categories before the televised ceremony, airing taped and abridged acceptance speeches during the broadcast.

Notably, Kramer and Yang also mentioned plans to "explore extensions of the streaming show ", which would mark new territory for the awards ceremony. The Oscars have remained a televised-only event in recent years, even as streaming has increased in volume among consumers.

As Weiss and Kirshner have been named executive producers, there remains a possibility that the Academy will recruit another high-profile personality to serve as producer for the ceremony. "Executive producers' expertise in producing live television events" would provide the necessary context should the Academy decide to appoint additional producers, such as Will Packer in 2022 and Steven Soderbergh, Stacey Sher and Jesse Collins in 2021.

Along with Weiss and Kirshner, the Academy also announced a team of creatives who will help shape the pair the Oscars. David Chamberlin will serve as executive producer for the red carpet show, while Met Gala veterans Lisa Love and Raúl Àvila will serve as creative consultants for the red carpet. Additionally, Kenny Gravillis will serve as creative director, while Misty Buckley and Alana Billingsley have been tapped as production designers for the ceremony.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to have live event veterans Glenn and Ricky as executive producers of the 95th Academy Awards airing on ABC," Rob Mills, executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television, said in a statement. "Their experience and creativity are second to none, and we can't wait to see their vision come to fruition on Hollywood's biggest night."

Weiss is a veteran directing live TV event, winning two Primetime Emmys for his work on the Oscars and winning three directing and nine producing Primetime Emmys across 21 Tony Award shows. Other credits include the Democratic National Convention, Kennedy Center Honors, Primetime Emmy Awards, American Music Awards, BET Awards, "New Year's Rockin' Eve" and the Academy of Country Music Awards.