The Academy Awards, held in 2009, remain a firm favorite for many viewers, including your humble correspondent, largely because of the exciting way in which the four acting Oscars were awarded: five previous winners each represented the five current nominees before forgiven. This led to a massive standing ovation from the Dolby audience (even from awards show veterans). Brad Pitt And Meryl Streep looked absolutely giddy in the cutaway shots); Introductory remarks from previous winners that left the current nominees visibly moved (Anne Hathaway was in tears); and group hugs from the new winners that were like being welcomed into an elite fraternity or sorority (see: Kate Winslet).
In the 15 years since that night, Oscar lovers have begged the Academy to bring back this Field of Dreams-like format. has learned and the Academy has confirmed that her wish will come true on March 10.
The Academy never reveals who will be handing out which awards before the big night, but given the Academy's tradition, it's safe to assume that last year's four acting award winners – Brendan Fraser, Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan And Jamie Lee Curtis – will be among the five presenters in their respective category. In fact, they were all on the initial list of confirmed presenters that the Academy announced on Monday.
One can also probably read between the lines of this announcement to find out some of the other previous winners who will be presenting alongside them. The list included previous best actor winners Nicolas Cage, Matthew McConaughey And Al Pacino; former best actress winner Jessica Long; Previous Best Supporting Actor winners Mahershala Ali And Sam Rockwell; and former Best Supporting Actress winner Lupita Nyong'o. (The Academy will announce additional speakers in the coming days.)
For those who want to take a trip down memory lane, below are video clips from the 2009 ceremony.
Sean Penn won the Oscar for best actor Adrien Brody, Robert DeNiro, Michael Douglas, Anthony Hopkins And Ben Kingsley.
Kate Winslet won the Oscar for best actress Halle Berry, Marion Cotillard, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren And Shirley MacLaine.
Heath Ledger Winner (posthumously) of the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor Alan Arkin, Cuba Gooding Jr., Joel Grey, Kevin Kline And Christopher Walken.
Penelope Cruz won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress Whoopi Goldberg, Goldie Hawn, Anjelica Huston, Eva Marie Saint And Tilda Swinton.