It’s time once again to ask that question. I’m fairly sure there hasn’t been an announcement yet. I’m going to guess there is behind-the-scenes talk and that there are some out there who already know the answer. Then again, maybe not. The Corner Cinema has tossed a few well known names into the ring. Let’s run them down:
1. Ricky Gervais — this would be the best news ever. They could do Ricky Gervais AND Steve Carell.
2. Eddie Izzard
3. Meryl Streep
4. Tiny Fey (maybe AS Sarah Palin)
5. President Obama
Those are great choices. I think Obama might have his hands full fighting off the media on the attack – I guess no one can accuse the media as being protective of Obama now, eh? Here are a few of my own choices, and I’d love to hear yours.
Gervais, of course.
Hugh Jackman again – I thought he was fab.
Kathy Griffin – I double dog dare them to do it.
David Letterman – this would be the year.
Steve Martin – because he remains my all-time favorite Oscars host.
Billy Crystal – in an effort to keep boosting the ratings.
Chris Rock and/or Bill Maher – lay it on thick.
Ryan Seacrest – because the outcry would be hilarious. We have to entertain ourselves somehow.
82 Responses for "Who Should Host the Oscars This Year?"
I agree about Hugh Jackman. He was great last year. In fact, my only major complaint about last year’s ceremony was that Hugh didn’t do as much (or wasn’t on stage as much) as Jon Stewart or Ellen the last couple of years.
I’ve never seen any of Ricky Gervais’s work, so I wouldn’t know how well he’d do, but he seems like a pretty film-savvy guy, judging by the success of “Extras”.
Martin and Crystal are always viable options. Fey would be awesome too. I read an article a couple weeks ago suggesting that Fey and Martin co-host, and that would ROCK! They just about stole the show at last year’s ceremony when they presented the screenplay Oscars together.
Yes, Yes, Yes.
Ricky Gervais all the way.
Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Colbert, or Hugh Jackman
The charming actor approach worked so well this year for Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris that I’d be surprised to see a comedian return in 2010.
I like the idea of Meryl Streep hosting — I’d like it more in a year she wasn’t contending, if there is such a thing. As I see it, it’s Kevin Spacey’s gig to lose, should he express a modicum of interest.
Many of the new names suggested above sound terrible, but I’ll focus on the top name, Ricky Gervais. He strikes me as a comedian’s comedian, a writer’s writer, and maybe an actor’s actor, much more appreciated in the industry than by the public. Giving him a job like this will only illustrate how large that rift can be.
Given what a good job he did with the Tonys and the Emmys, I think Neil Patrick Harris should host the Oscars. He is the perfect guy for this type of job. He is funny without making the whole night about him (my big complaint with Chris Rock), and he knows how to tease the audience without insulting them (again Chris Rock).
My vote is definitely for Neil Patrick Harris. Ricky Gervais might do a good job, but NPH has already proven himself to be a great host.
Plus it would continue the tradition of having an openly gay Oscar host the year after a gay film lost Best Picture to an inferior film — Ellen Degeneres after Brokeback Mountain’s loss, and Neil Patrick Harris after Milk’s loss.
Roman Polanski.
GERVAIS!
The Oscar love the english, so why not finally put one to present it?
Meryl Streep? where in god’s name did that come from? she has a great, dry sense of humor…but no…
Please no Neil Patrick Harris (I know I’m in the majority here), but after the Tony’s and Emmy’s…it’s too much at one time…a bit of an overkill…
…I personally loved Ellen DeGeneres as host. I thought she was sincere and loveable, and her awkward sense of humor really fit well with the ceremony. Ricky Gervais would be great, too, and I’d totally support that. Ditto Tina Fey (but Fey and Steve Martin would be BADASS!!!)
Whoops, meant to say *minority* instead of ‘majority’ haha
TINA FEY! Also, Whoopi Goldberg and Neil Patrick Harris would be good.
SUIT UP!
CONAN O’BRIEN! He totally KILLED both times he hosted the Emmy’s. I seriously don’t understand why he’s never been asked to do the Oscars.
I’ve never thought about it, but if they get Obama, they will probably get the highest ratings ever
Billy Crystal. he only has hosted once during the 2000 decade and that waas when the highest rating occurred. Plus I like his opening montage and medley.
Jon Stewart (again and again and again..),
Tina Fey,
Justin Timberlake
or Neil Patrick Harris (and it’d be great if he does a similar closing number as he did on Tony Awards)
Mo’Nique. (just kidding, she “don’t want no oscar” she just want paper)
I love the idea of Tina Fey.
I also love the idea of Joel McHale – but that is never going to happen.
Gervais!
If NEIL PATRICK HARRIS or RICKY GERVAIS were announced as host, I would be very excited. Of the others mentioned that I would find intriguing are Tina Fey or Meryl Streep. A co-hosting situation might be a fun idea actually…..Perhaps Catherine O’Hara and Wanda Sykes? That would be a fun, interesting pairing of very funny women with very different personalities….could be a fun blend! I also would really enjoy Billy Crystal coming back as host at least one more time after all this time. He is my favorite host to date.
I also would really enjoy Billy Crystal coming back as host at least one more time after all this time. He is my favorite host to date.
Joe McHale! In my dreams.
Ricky Gervais seems like a good pick, though I’d also love to see either Ellen or Hugh come back.
How about Tyra? I jest.
Once again I ask, why must there be a host?
Oh God please, no more Tina Fey. Enough already. She’s okay. But an Emmy for her Sarah Palin performance on SNL? Really? I’ve seen as good at parties. If you look that much like her, it’s not such a stretch to mimic her.
I’m sure Tina is a sweet gal, and I’m happy she’s had success, but, wow, over rated!
I vote for Ricky Gervais, Eddie Izzard or Neil Patrick Harris.
Stephen Colbert!
How about Kevin Spacey?
Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris or Steve Martin (also my all-time favorite)
In agree with the notion that there needs to be a host. Emcee is a better word but BRYAN I second that. He’s the best and actually said he wouldn’t mind doing it. I’d watch.
KEVIN SPACEY!!!!!!!
I meant there isn’t a need for a host.
Just to throw the name out there, how about Will Smith? Looking at it from a business perspective, he’s a person that is almost universally liked, he’s always charming, he’s quite possibly the most bankable star in Hollywood today and I’m sure he could bring in a more youthful audience. I’m not saying he would be my first pick, but I think he’d be a smart choice and he would do a good job.
@ S.T. Stevens
That’s not a bad idea. I’m not a fan of Smith and I’m not sure he would actually do a good job. But from a ratings standpoint, it would make sense.
It depends on if we’re going to try this whole “sing-and-dance” stuff again. If we’re doing that, I’d go with either Jackman again or Justin Timberlake. NPH would be great too, but he just did the Emmy’s. We need about a year to get over someone.
Will Smith would be good. I’d watch him. He was charming and funny last year when he presented the technical Oscars.
Also, he doesn’t have any movies coming out. He’d be just about perfect. I’d still like to see Hugh come back, though.
Ricky Gervais or Whoopi Goldberg!!! *,*
Whoopi Goldberg’s opening monologe (74th OSCAR):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS2nUuWMiWo
HILARIOUS!!!
“The Oscars. Oscar winners, movie stars, great big party… Oh my God, Is this Liza wedding?”
hauhauahauh
Hugh Jackman, of course.
If he won’t, then Whoopi Goldberg.
Neil Patrick Harris!
Not only because he did such a good job with the Tonys and Emmys, but it would just be really cool to have someone do all three in one year. Tri.. wait for it.. fecta!
I’ll give my vote to Neil Patrick Harris, Ellen DeGeneres, and Meryl Streep. We already know the first two can host a kickass awards show, but to see Meryl hosting the Oscars? How delicious would that be?
No please, that list of possible hosts is cringe-worthy! AMPAS needs someone who is both funny and classy. Steve Martin would be great for both reasons!
We want the host to be funny and charming. That means Bill Maher, David Letterman, President Obama, Meryl Streep, Chris Rock, and Ryan Seacrest are out right away. I would love to see Eddie Izzard do it. Tina Fey just doesn’t seem the type. How about Stephen Colbert?
For me it would be a three way tie between Conan O’brien, Ricky Gervais and Tina Fey. I loved Jackman but I’d like to see someone else this year.
Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, or bring Ellen back.
Either Billy Crystal or Robin Williams. I’m suprised no one has said Robin Williams yet. I think he would be a great host. Example:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtwrZOHnClo
I’m going to give an outside-the-box suggestion and say Hugh Laurie. He’s always entertaining when he wins something. I’m in the Gervais and Spacey camp as far as the others go.
Hugh Jackman. He was funny, charming, classy and he was able to make fun from himself which is something most of other people can´t do.
Joel McHale or Kevin Spacey sounds interesting. Joel is probably too mean for the Oscars though – he’d rip everybody to shreds. Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris would be good too.
I’d pick Eddie Izzard. Most of his stuff is spontaneous which makes him fun to watch.
Has to be Gervais.
I would *love* to see Neil Patrick Harris hosting the Oscars – but he already hinted that he probably wouldn’t do it this time, even if they’d ask him to.
But Gervais? The Oscars are one of the few shows, which are broadcasted all over the world… I doubt anyone outside the States would know who he is.
Ricky Gervais
Conan O’Brien
Jonathon Ross
Anyone who has ever seen the BAFTA awards will tell you that the ideal host has and always will be Stephen Fry.
i’ve mentioned this several times before,
but i’ll do it again…
Bette Midler.
hasn’t anyone been to Vegas lately?
have you seen how she can work a room,
sing, tell great jokes, ad lib better
than Whoppi, Hugh, Meryl, Ricky, etc. etc.
and she’s a true movie buff,
movie star, and fan.
she’s still divine, and would
be a hoot as the Oscar host.
Justin Timberlake.
He’s got the comedy chops, the singing ability and some acting talent. He’s killed on SNL as well as the ESPY’s. And it might help draw in a younger crowd.
He’s bringing Oscar back!…
…and if i can’t have
Bette Midler, i want Bonnie Hunt.
she would be amazing.
HUGH JACKMAN all the way! He was GREAT. They should book him for another 10 years in my opinion. For me, the guy made the Oscars ceremony exciting, after years of boring shows and hosts.
I agree that Hugh Jackman was fabulous. After his huge success as the Oscar host this year, I don’t see why they have to change him.
Jackman was good but I don’t think he’d hold up as well a second time in a row. I’d love to see Gervais, NPH, or Fey do it. I also think Timberlake would do an ok job and I’d love to see either Steve Martin or Billy Crystal back.
Betty White. She is still a funny old broad. I bet she has the stamina and the quick wit to pull it off. Or Quentin Tarantino. Sure he’d be too talky and the telecast would continue into the wee hours of the night, but his enthusiasm would be awesome to watch.
Those are my fun picks.
My more realistic picks are Ricky Gervais or the Steve Martin/Tina Fey duo. And Eddie Izzard never sucks.
Conan O’Brien!!! I would love to see him become the guy from now on… maybe with his greater Tonight Show status that’s something that will happen someday.
As hilarious as Ricky Gervais is, I almost think he would be best as a presenter only… and I think he’s amazingly funny. I just don’t know if I could take that much of him inbetween EVERY award category.
i like the idea of bette midler as mentioned above. i was thinking meryl streep AND emma thompson as co-hosts. they’re pals and both are wickedly funny.
I know he turns down almost everything, but Bill Murray would probably be the greatest host of all time.
NPH. He should host everything. Of the people you listed Izzard could be great and totally different. I know he’s going on tour at the beginning of the year. Maybe he’ll be done by then.
1 Ricky Gervais
2 Quentin Tarantino
3 Neil Patrick Harris
4 Robin Williams
Hugh Jackman was fine, but I don`t need to see him two years in a row.
@ Robin: There are a few people outside the US who know who Ricky Gervais is. As far as I know, one or two of them live in England.
And seriously, there will be more after the Invention of Lying has come out everywhere…
ROBERT DOWNEY JR.
Iiiiiit’s aaaaa wonderful night for Oscar… Oscar, Oscar, who will host?
The nominees for best host of 2010 are…
1. Billy Crystal
2. Conan O’Brien
3. Ricky Gervais
4. Steve Martin
5. Norm MacDonald
I thought Hugh Jackman was great ! If not Steve Martin would be a great choice.. Love Meryl Streep and she is beyond charming and very witty, but they can’t even get her to PRESENT usually so how would you get her to host ?!?!?!?
Gotta go with Conan O’Brien. Although I like the idea of Robert Downey Jr. or Neil Patrick Harris.
If you want people to watch and be surprisingly entertained…Justin Timberlake is the guy.
Love Eddie Izzard, but it would do nothing for his career.
Just don’t make them overlong musical numbers anymore. It’s so 70’s-80’s. It’s okay to sing a little in a monologue, though.
Ricky gervais of course!!! (+ steve carell would be awesome)
1-Billy Crystal !!!
2-Jon Stewart
Did somebody say Kevin Spacey? It isn’t 1999.
Yeah, I said Gervais last year, and there was even talk that it might be him. Here’s my top 5:
1. Ricky Gervais – always funny
2. Bob Newhart – still got it (see this year’s Emmys)
3. Stephen Colbert
4. Steve Martin
5. Bill Maher – it certainly wouldn’t be boring
I’ll do it.
They didn’t even hire a producer yet – so no host announcement will come soon. Last years producers, Condon and Mark, said they aren’t going to be able to do it again this year and Jackman is too busy. That said, Gervais would be a great host but he’s not famous enough to bring in the ratings.
Gervais would have to be the top choice for me. I think the obivious past hosts have a chance, Steve Martin, Letterman, Ellen…
Even as a liberal guy, I would hate to see Obama or Tina Fey doing her Sarah Palin act (That has been beat to death from a comedy stand point). I don’t think Tina has the chops like an Ellen or Whoopi to do it. Those other woman are stand-ups and personally I’d rather see Kathy Griffin then Tina Fey.
My top choices on who I think would make good hosts:
1.) Ben Stiller (Perhaps Hollywood’s biggest fan, everyone loves him and he stole the show with the Joquin Phoenix act last year)
2.) Jimmy Kimmel (They are on ABC right?)
3.) Sarah Silverman…People think Kathy Griffin would be controversial???
Batman or Muhammad Ali.
Haha Sasha…Ryan Seacrest.
I agree that I can only handle so much of Gervais but I’d be open to giving him a chance (heh heh). Worried about Neil Patrick Harris overkill as well. Someone else MUST be good at hosting these things, right? Amen to Steve Martin and Tina Fey together – and I’m a HUGE Whoopi@Oscars supporter.
Hugh Jackman, no doubt.
2 Quentin Tarantino
Hmm… I like the idea of QT as host. Never occurred to me before. But not this year since he could feasibly be up for Best Picture. I actually think he WILL be.
I’m not a fan of the Gervais idea. I like him. I don’t like him as a host. I like it better when the host actually likes the Oscars and award shows. Not when they’re snarky and above it like Jon Stewart. I can’t imagine a Gervais-hosted Oscars that wouldn’t be full of put-downs.
RICKY GERVAIS !!!!!!!!
I think with Adam Shankman producing it might give an edge to Neil Patrick Harris. They have worked together before. Also NPH gave the Tonys and the Emmy’s a ratings boost this year and was wisely praised for both.
good choices.. but i always feel ricky’s jokes are snarky & don’t always go down with all the audience because hes english and they aren’t sure if hes judging them… the audience at home feed off the audience in the cermoney. and if the script caused him to change his jokes then it wouldn’t BE ricky gervais
meryl streep = genius but not going to happen especially whens shes nominated. she just REALLY wouldn’t, she barely likes to present awards unless its someone that she loves. she doesn’t even like doing promo coz she thinks the public get to know HER too much there and its detremental to them accepting her characters (YEAH RIGHT?)
steve martin or tina fey would be fab as they are perfect comedically.
i don’t understand why no ones talking about Alec Baldwin?? him with either steve or tina would be hilarious too.. and he is on such a high in the industry too atm??
and id always like hugh jackman back because the sing & dance with host RULES
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