As a result of the negative reception of David Letterman 's stint as host from the preceding year 's ceremony , veteran film and television director Gil Cates declined to helm the upcoming festivities . In November 1995 , AMPAS recruited music producer and Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award recipient Quincy Jones as producer of the 1996 ceremony . Jones immediately selected actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg to host the ceremony . In an interview with '' Los Angeles Times '' writer Susan King , Jones explained the decision to hire Goldberg saying , " She has all the qualifications to move on a dime , to carry the elegance and the dignity of the show and is very funny . She understands the street . She has everything . " One segment that was staged during the ceremony was an elaborate fashion show showcasing the nominees for Best Costume Design . Produced by fashion photographer Matthew Rolston , the production featured models such as Cameron Alborzian , Tyson Beckford , Tyra Banks , Marcus Schenkenberg and Joel West sporting various costumes from the five films nominated in the category . Initially , actor Jack Nicholson was approached to introduce the segment along with models Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer . However , actor Pierce Brosnan accepted the role of presenter of the segment and award after Nicholson declined those respective duties
preceding year 's ceremony
67th Academy Awards
68th Academy Awards