LA Times’ Patrick Goldstein believes that the choice of the genius Ricky Gervais (and AD’s number one choice to host the Oscars) has now given all of the heat to the Globes where there otherwise wouldn’t be any. Here’s Goldstein:
Until today, the Golden Globes broadcast has always felt vaguely tacky, the award show equivalent of network stunt casting, except that instead of Oprah showing up on “30 Rock,” it was the likes of Cher, Melanie Griffith, Madonna, Sharon Stone and Hugh Grant, not to mention Calista Flockhart, all taking home major acting awards. I’m not saying that there haven’t been many worthy winners through the years, but the Globes have had a hard time shaking a reputation as a Pia Zadora-friendly organization. If I didn’t have a professional obligation, I couldn’t imagine ever watching the show.
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But after hearing that Gervais has signed on to host the show, which airs Jan. 17 on NBC, I’m already setting my TiVo. And if the selection of Gervais is a huge victory for the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn., which puts on the Globes each year, it’s a crushing blow to the Academy Awards, which desperately needs some heat of its own to propel its show back into the must-watch-TV category.
It’s a sad commentary on the state of decision-making at the academy that after the Gervais news surfaced, the response from the first insider I spoke to there was: “Ricky who?”
First, can we make sure that he just didn’t hear Goldstein? Either way, and you all know how much we love and adore the “little fat man with the pug-nosed face,” I don’t think this thing is irreversible. Yes, it makes the Globes suddenly something to watch and it ups the ante for AMPAS. But the shows aren’t in competition with each other. They compliment each other. The Oscars are still the second biggest television event after the Super Bowl. The Globes don’t come anywhere near that; they are more on the level of the American Idol finale, especially since they tape-delay for the West Coast, which diffuses them greatly as an awards event; all of the people who care to watch will already found out who won – not only do we report the winners instantly, but every other news outlet will as well.
But, if we decided to play the game and talk about who might upstage Gervais? Goldstein did some digging at the Academy and got Tom Sherak on the phone:
He wasn’t as forthcoming about the academy’s pick for its own host, saying the choice was in the hands of the show’s new producers, Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman. My own sources say that Hugh Jackman, who was a success last year, especially in terms of presiding over a show that boosted its flagging ratings, is a no-go, with Jackman not wanting to make a return engagement. The Oscar producers are leaning toward a multiple-host format, which would team a pair of hosts who would have different strengths and different generational appeal.
The rough plan would be to look for hosts who have a strong comedy background as well as Hollywood credibility. Even though these particular candidates aren’t available, the academy would love to team someone like Steve Martin with someone like Tina Fey, which would appeal to several disparate audience (and academy) constituencies. Who knows? It might be fun to see two comics with different sensibilities, who could write their own material, handling the emcee duties.
Tina Fey would amount to half of the country tuning out, I’m afraid, unless they just want to draw left-leaning viewers (don’t jump down my throat – you know how stupid people can be).
Gervais was my Ace in the hole. I guess I’ll stick with my main man Billy Crystal. I know you all think it’s “too old” but I really believe he had all of the right qualities to make a good host. He’s really funny. He’s warm and friendly, not threatening in any way. He reigned when the Oscars were most successful. And it would piss off every blogger on the net, which would be kind of fun to watch, you have to admit.
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26 Responses for "Globes Upstage Oscar?"
Monique should host the Oscars. Now that would be entertaining.
Sasha, they’re ditching the left coast tape delay this year.
I hope this gig for Gervais ends up being an audition tape for the bigger show in 2011.
I voted for Fey.
Hugh Jackman. End of conversation.
I am also inclined towards Hugh Jackamn too because if he hosts again, he might do another duet with the most beautiful and talented woman the world has ever seen: the one and only BE YON CE GISELLE CARTER-KNOWLES
Hugh Jackman, end of story.
So, Ricky will host the golden globes and hugh jackman should or could host the oscars. Ricky is a funny guy. He’s got that British Accent which I like.
I would like to Steve Martin host the academy awards as a personal preference.
Goldstein knows that Cher won an Oscar, right?
Jack Black.
If they wanna go “older,” someone already has suggested Bette Midler.
Hugh Jackman hands down.
I’m really disappointed to hear that Steve Martin and Tina Fey “are not available” to host the Oscars this year. Those two together would have killed! With Gervais hosting the Globes, I think I have to agree that in terms of entertainment, the Globes is going to blow the Oscars out of the water this year – unless, of course, they get my personal pick, Conan O’Brien, to host the Oscars (even though, AHEM, Conan isn’t listed in Sasha’s poll above).
But since Goldstein says they are looking for two hosts, I repeat: Will Ferrell and Jack Black would rule. Or, pair one of them with Billy Crystal – I don’t care. But I’m telling you, every time those two do bits on the Oscars, they practically steal the entire show.
I’ve come around to the idea that Kevin Spacey would be an excellent host. He’s well-known, liked, and represents both Old and New Hollywood, in a way.
Steve Carell + Tina Fey would be a dream, but will never happen.
Steve Carrell and Tina Fey won’t host, but they probably will present something together. They’ve got a movie coming out first week of April 2010 in which they play a married couple. Its called Date Night.
My choice for host is Louis CK. But I’ve already filed that under “Things That Will Never, Ever Happen”
I’m still for Kevin Spacey or Hugh Laurie.
Hugh Jackman was terrific! I’d love to see him return as the host but I’m disappointed to hear that he’s not interested…
“…it was the likes of Cher, Melanie Griffith, Madonna, Sharon Stone and Hugh Grant, not to mention Calista Flockhart, all taking home major acting awards.”
hey patrick, what’s wrong with hugh grant winning a major acting award?!
i can’t help it, i just love the guy.
Hugh Jackman would be great. He could be a little more relaxed and to show something from his improvising skills. But he is going to do a movie from January so I think he won´t have time
I’d vote Conan O’Brien personally. He killed both times he hosted the Emmy’s.
I found out from a source on yahoo answers, who is on the oscar committee says that Hugh Jackman will host the Oscars from 2009-2012, has anyone heard about that? I think Conan O’Brien should host, I mean Hugh Jackman? He’s ok, but not funny maybe entertaining, but this ain’t Broadway. So go back to New York, please!
I hope this is true. Last year’ ratings and all these internet polls on who should host the Oscars this year show that the audience prefers an original Broadway star as the Oscar host rather than an often insulting New York comedian. Book Jackman for the next 10 years, Academy!
Not Hugh Jackman. I’d rather laugh than watch lame song and dance numbers. Will Smith would be great.
Less serious suggestion – Hugh Laurie.
Even less serious suggestion – Glen Beck and Bill Maher co-hosting.
I say, let Steve Carrell and Stephen Colbert host – or am I the only one who remembers ‘Even Stev/phen’?
Jackman’s ‘lame’ song and dance number happened to win an Emmy Award. It was hilarious and Jackman is a master of the stage. Please, Hugh! Say yes to the inevitable invitation to return as the Oscar Host!!
I admit, Rebecca, seeing Colbert do his version of a Billy Crystal-like opening number would be heavenly. I’m not sure the Academy is ready for it — but I hope so.
We want Hugh Jackman!
Neil Patrick Harris–give him the hat trick!
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