J. Michael Riva to Design The 74th OscarŽ Telecast

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - Oscar telecast producer Laura Ziskin announced today that J. Michael Riva 
has been appointed production designer of the 74th Academy Awards? Presentation.

"I have been an admirer of Michael Riva's work for many years," Ziskin said.  "As with Ann Roth 
and John Williams, I wanted to invite established film people to work on a show that is a 
celebration of the art of filmmaking, and have them collaborate with the wonderful team 
that traditionally puts on the telecast.  Riva has a great sense of the history and tradition 
of Hollywood, both old and new, which will be reflected in his designs for the 74th 
Academy Awards."

Riva received an Academy Award nomination in 1985 for his work on "The Color Purple."  He 
began his career in 1972 as a set decorator working with designer Toby Rafelson on "I Never 
Promised You a Rose Garden."  Riva has since been the production designer on numerous films, 
including "Brubaker," "Ordinary People," "Lethal Weapon," "A Few Good Men," "Dave" and 
"Charlie's Angels."

"I have spent some of the happiest moments of my life in darkened theaters looking up at 
that big screen," said Riva.  "It is an honor to be asked to celebrate such a time honored 
American tradition, and to acknowledge the great gift that film has given the world."

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2001 will be presented on Sunday, March 
24, 2002, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & HighlandŽ and televised live by the ABC 
Television Network beginning at 5:30 p.m. (PST).  A half-hour arrival segment will precede 
the presentation ceremony at 5 p.m.

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