And just like that, the Oscars got their next host; Family Guy creator and Ted director, Seth MacFarlane. This news comes from first-time Academy Awards producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron who have just confirmed the news via press release. This should come as good news to many given MacFarlane's experience on Saturday Night Live, his fondness for impersonations and his affinity for Broadway style musical numbers. What's more, it's probably a welcome change from old-timer Billy Crystal. Last year if you remember, the Academy Awards were to be hosted by Eddie Murphy. Eddie then backed away from this opportunity when the producer he'd hoped to work with had resigned as well. MacFarlane stands an even better chance at doing a good job when compared with James Franco and Anne Hathaway who attempted to aim much of their shtick at a younger age group the previous year. Their outfit swapping stunt went down like a lead balloon, as did most of their jaded gags. What's more, if MacFarlane's recovery at last week's Emmys is anything to go by, he's more than up to the task at hand.
For those of you who didn't catch it, Seth MacFarlane was on hand at the Emmys to introduce the best reality show host award. No stranger to this kind of thing, Seth launched into his party piece as a mic started rising out of the floor near him. He unfortunately didn't see it, and in the middle of his intro speech, he was directed to another mic down the stage. "Oh the mic’s over there," said the comedian, pointing to another part of the stage as the crowd was roused. "This is what happens when you don't come to rehearsals," responded MacFarlane, channeling perfectly the voice of Family Guy's Stewie. Only a pro could handle a situation like that.
For me though, the best host so far has been Hugh Jackman. Is MacFarlane the right man for the job? Will Peter Griffin make an appearance to insult some of the Oscar stalwarts? Will Ted gesticulate inappropriately at the ladies? We'll have to wait and see.
"It's truly an overwhelming privilege to be asked to host the Oscars," said MacFarlane. "My thoughts upon hearing the news were, one, I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards set forth by my predecessors; and two, I hope they don't find out I hosted the Charlie Sheen Roast."
