Barbara Walters ending Oscar specials after this year (video)

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Ending the string at 30, Barbara Walters announced on Monday’s broadcast of “The View” on ABC that this year’s annual Oscar Night edition of “The Barbara Walters Special” will be her last.


“ABC has asked me to keep doing these specials as they have been so successful – and I’m thrilled we have such great stars and have such a wonderful show for this last one – but to be honest, I feel like I’ve ‘been there, done that’,” Walters said of her decision.

This year’s Oscar Special will feature Academy Award Best Actress nominee Sandra Bullock and Academy Award Best Supporting Actress nominee Mo’Nique, along with a comprehensive retrospective of the Special that has become a true Oscar tradition. The last installment of the Oscar Night edition of “The Barbara Walters Special” will air on Sunday March 7 at 7:00 pm ET and immediately following the Academy Awards on the west coast on the ABC Television Network. The Special has aired for the past 29 years on Oscar Night.

Ms. Walters launched her Oscar Night Special in 1981 with interviews from Hollywood superstar Brooke Shields and her mother, Teri, Country singer Loretta Lynn, “Dallas” actress Linda Gray, music icon Ringo Starr and model/actress Barbara Bach.

“When we first started this special, I don’t think any of us knew exactly how much of an Oscar Night staple it would become,” said Walters.

This year’s goodbye edition will include a complete look-back at the Oscar Specials. The retrospective will span interviews with the many superstars Walters has interviewed over the years, including Cher, Anthony Hopkins, Steven Spielberg, Halle Berry, Renee Zellweger, Diane Keaton, George Clooney, Sophia Loren, Helen Mirren, President & Mrs. Reagan and Kim Basinger.

Although this year will be her last Oscar Special, Walters will continue to do her other annual ABC News special, “The 10 Most Fascinating People,” as well as “The View” and her other assignments.

The Oscar® Night edition of “The Barbara Walters Special” is a Barwall Production. The Special is produced and directed by Bill Geddie.

Video: Barbara Walters announces that this year’s Oscar Special will be her last.