MUMBAI: Oscar -nominated film music composer Marc Shaiman will serve as music director for the 82nd Academy Awards, telecast producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic said.

Says Mechanic, "With Marc on board, we are sure to have some great musical and, hopefully, hysterical moments."

Shankman adds, "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. He‘s a genius! And he‘d be the first to tell you!"

Shaiman has earned five Academy Award nominations for his work on films including The American President, The First Wives Club and Patch Adams.

The 82nd Academy Awards nominations will be announced on 2 February next year. The ceremony takes place on 7 March, 2010 and will air in India on Star Movies.