Michael Giacchino, has been tapped to serve as the music director for the upcoming Oscar ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today. “Michael is an extraordinarily talented and versatile musical artist,” said telecast producer Laurence Mark and executive producer Bill Condon in a joint statement. “We couldn’t be happier that he is game to come on board.”

Though Giacchino has composed music and conducted orchestras for both film and television, this will be his first time with the baton for the Oscar telecast and for a live broadcast. Giacchino received an Academy Award nomination for Music – Original Score for his work on the animated film Ratatouille. His film credits also include Speed Racer, Mission: Impossible III, The Family Stone and The Incredibles. He has also composed and conducted the scores for the upcoming Star Trek, Land of the Lost and Pixar’s Up. In 2005 Giacchino won an Emmy for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series for Lost. His credits also include work on the hit series Alias and several interactive games, including titles in the Medal of Honor series. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center. The Oscar presentation will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.