ACADEMY UNVEILS OSCAR(R) TRAILER STARRING HOST ELLEN DeGENERES, DIRECTED BY PAUL FEIG

The Academy launched its Oscar season with a trailer starring show host Ellen DeGeneres and 250 tuxedo-clad men and women dancing to "The Walker" by indie pop band Fitz and The Tantrums. The Oscars(R) will air SUNDAY, MARCH 2, live on ABC.

"I had the best time making this," said DeGeneres. "I love Paul, I love tWitch, I love Fitz and I like most of the Tantrums."

Paul Feig, a new Academy member, conceived and directed the trailer, which was choreographed by freestyle dancer Stephen "tWitch" Boss. Feig's directorial credits include "Bridesmaids," "The Heat" and the upcoming comedy "Susan Cooper," starring Melissa McCarthy.

"To work with Ellen, tWitch Boss, Allison Holker and 250 amazing dancers to the music of Fitz and The Tantrums to promote the Oscars for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences was an absolute dream come true," said Feig. "Just typing that sentence made me giddy and exhausted. I'm going to lie down now."

The trailer will run in theaters nationwide beginning JANUARY 3, 2014. It also can be viewed on the Academy's YouTube channel at youtube.com/Oscars.

Fitz and The Tantrums' "The Walker," is the new single from their critically acclaimed second full length release, "More Than Just a Dream," on Atlantic/Elektra Records. The band's first single, "Out of My League," went #1 on Billboard's Alternative Song Chart.

Academy Awards(R) for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar Sunday, March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre(R) at Hollywood & Highland Center(R) and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The presentation, produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, will also be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world's preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards - in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners - the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events, provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors, acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology, and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.