A producer specializing in TV spectacles such as the Olympic Games and one of the Oscar-winning filmmakers behind “American Beauty” will run the Academy Awards telecast next year, organizers said Tuesday. Hollywood veterans Don Mischer and Bruce Cohen will produce the 83rd annual event airing on Feb. 27 from Hollywood's Kodak Theatre, with Mischer additionally serving as director. Cohen, along with Dan Jinks, won a best picture Oscar in 1999 as producer of the suburban drama “American Beauty.” Mischer's credits include the opening ceremonies of both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games, several Super Bowl half-time shows, and various music specials headlined by the likes of Barbra Streisand and Willie Nelson.
