‘Dreamgirls’ team will guide Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has chosen two award show newbies to produce the 81st annual Academy Awards.

Producer Laurence Mark and writer-director Bill Condon, who worked together on the 2006 hit musical “Dreamgirls,” were announced Wednesday as the producer and executive producer, respectively, for the Oscars, which will be telecast live on ABC on Feb. 22.

In an interview, Mark said he thought it could be a plus that neither he nor Condon had any award show experience, because they could offer a fresh approach. They would like to celebrate not only the excellence in movies but also the fun and enjoyment filmgoers have had in 2008.

Mark didn’t give any hints about whom they have in mind to host the show.

-- Susan King