hamish hamilton

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.