Not to sound like a brownnoser, but I didn’t watch the Oscars this year – I preferred following Mike Sampson’s funny-as-heck rundown right here. I did hear great things about Hugh Jackman’s tenure though, and many speculated the ceremony had found a new long-running host in the tradition of Bob Hope, Johnny Carson and Billy Crystal. Not the case.
The Academy Awards are already deep into preparations for the next show this coming March, and so a frontman has to be named soon. According to Variety, sources close to Jackman confirmed he turned the gig down in order to keep his mind on his current Broadway run then get his head back into movies for a while. He might host it again, but isn’t keen on doing it 2 years in a row.
The 82nd Academy Awards, held on March 7th, will be produced by Adam Shankman, the guy who directed HAIRSPRAY and THE PACIFIER and CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN 2. So clearly THAT won’t be a show hosted by Russel Brand. Names, anyone? I say Ewan McGregor – funny, sings and dance, and has the force on his side.