THE ACADEMY ANNNOUNCES FIRST SLATE OF PRESENTERS AND PERFORMERS FOR THE 88TH OSCARS(R)

Oscars(R) producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced today the first slate of presenters for the 88th Oscars telecast. The Oscars, hosted by Chris Rock, will air live OSCAR(R) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, on the ABC Television Network.

The presenters and performers, including past Oscar winners and nominees, are:

Benicio Del Toro
Tina Fey
Whoopi Goldberg
Ryan Gosling
Kevin Hart
Lady Gaga
Sam Smith
Charlize Theron
Jacob Tremblay
The Weeknd
Pharrell Williams

"Each of these artists bring a wonderfully distinctive element to the Oscars stage," said Hill and Hudlin. "Together they represent the many thrilling ways stories can be shared about the human experience, and we're honored they will be part of the celebration."

"The 88th Oscars" will be held on SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, at the Dolby Theatre(R) at Hollywood & Highland Center(R) in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7:00 p.m. EST/4:00 p.m. PST. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

On February 29, 2016, "LIVE with Kelly and Michael" will continue its awards season tradition with the fifth edition of "LIVE's After Oscar(R) Show," airing live in national syndication at 9:00 a.m. EST. The top morning talker's annual post-Oscar telecast has become one of its most popular episodes and is broadcast from the magnificent Dolby Theatre(R) at Hollywood & Highland Center(R). Mere hours after the festivities have wrapped on the same stage, thousands of fans will fill the venue for an action-packed hour celebrating all things Oscar, from the A-list personalities to the incredible fashions, star-studded red carpet and backstage excitement. In the past, Kelly and Michael have welcomed award winners such as Lupita Nyong'o, Octavia Spencer, Christoph Waltz, and the cast of Best Picture winner "The Artist," as well as 2015 Oscar host Neil Patrick Harris.

The 11th annual "Jimmy Kimmel Live: After The Oscars" special will air live on Oscar Sunday, February 28, after the late local news ET/CT and at 10 p.m. PST on the ABC Television Network.