So, Nikki Finke just posted the following:
I’ve just learned that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has asked¬†James Franco and Anne Hathaway to host the 83rd annual Academy Awards on February 27th, and it “looks like” both young stars have accepted the offer. There is always the chance that one or both of them might back out because of prior commitments and other concerns. But my sources say the host¬†announcement could be made as soon as this week. Both¬†are starring in Fox movies out in theaters now: Franco in Fox Searchlight’s 127 Hours, and¬†Hathaway in 20th Century Fox’s Love And Other Drugs. The star of Princess Diaries and The Devil Wears Prada, Hathaway did a major dance and musical number with then host Hugh Jackman at the Academy Awards two years ago. Franco is also a multitalented actor who has taken risks in everything from¬†the Spider-Man movie franchise to ABC’s General Hospital. Both are equally adept at comedy and drama.¬†Their selection, if it pans out, is an inspired choice and demonstrates how much current Academy president Tom Sherak wants to improve Oscar ratings.
AD loves us some James Franco but the idea that he will be hosting the Oscars along with Anne Hathaway makes me think someone is trying to plant rumors for either publicity’s sake, or to make the blogs look ridiculous. The best they got for Franco is that he was on General Hospital?
The last James Franco rumor I heard was that he was going to be named the Sexiest Man Alive. Well, look how that turned out. He wasn’t a big enough star for People mag, he is sure as hell isn’t going to be a big enough star to host the Oscars. This is, in no way, a knock against the star. It’s just that ….yeah…no.
Maybe they meant presenters and someone mistook it for hosting?
Entertainment Weekly’s Dave Karger just confirmed. It’s true! I think … what the AMPAS tells me to think. Shutting up, sir.