Oscar®-nominated (The American President, The First Wives Club and Patch Adams, and he received nominations in the original song category for “A Wink and a Smile” from Sleepless in Seattle and for “Blame Canada” from South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut) composer Marc Shaiman will serve as music director for the 82nd Academy Awards, telecast producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic announced Monday.

“With Marc on board, we are sure to have some great musical and, hopefully, hysterical moments,” said Mechanic.

“Marc was my inspiration and musical partner on Hairspray and he has been responsible for some of the most memorable moments in Oscar history, like Will Ferrell and Jack Black’s comedy numbers,” said Shankman. “He’s a genius! And he’d be the first to tell you!”

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010.