The 82nd Academy Awards isn't until March 7 -- but the show is already beginning to take shape.

According to Variety, Hamish Hamilton has been tapped to direct the upcoming ceremony. This will make him only the fifth man in 38 years to have been selected by the producers from a group of finalists. Among the finalists were Roger Goodman, who directed the show last year.

Hamilton, 43, is a British director who has achieved major success working with music artists Britney Spears, U2 and Stevie Wonder in concert specials. He also directed the MTV Video Music Awards, and will run the halftime show at next year's Super Bowl XLIV.The 82nd Academy Awards isn't until March 7 -- but the show is already beginning to take shape.

According to Variety, Hamish Hamilton has been tapped to direct the upcoming ceremony. This will make him only the fifth man in 38 years to have been selected by the producers from a group of finalists. Among the finalists were Roger Goodman, who directed the show last year.

Hamilton, 43, is a British director who has achieved major success working with music artists Britney Spears, U2 and Stevie Wonder in concert specials. He also directed the MTV Video Music Awards, and will run the halftime show at next year's Super Bowl XLIV.

Hamilton will also join forces with Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman ('So You Think You Can Dance'), who were named producers of the telecast late last month.

"Hamish is a first rate live-show director who will bring enthusiasm, experience and a fresh eye to the table," Shankman says, "He's also a master of working with all the latest technology in television production, which speaks to the kind of cutting-edge show Bill and I are planning."

Though the Academy is hoping to reach a new audience by bringing Hamilton on board, don't expect any music biz bling. Instead, Hamilton will reportedly keep things sophisticated and traditionally smooth, while adding a refreshing perspective, which will likely delve deeper into the musical performances that boosted the show's ratings last year.

Hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, the 82nd Oscars are set to air on ABC.