Ricky Gervais: Oscars Host?

Thursday

25Sep2008

Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 4:07AM

What would you think about Ricky Gervais hosting the Academy Awards? Apparently, that question is making the rounds in Hollywood at the moment, thanks in large part to Gervais' funny and completely uncomfortable presenter's skit at the Emmy Awards last weekend.

In 2007, Gervais won the award for Best Actor in a Comedy, but because he wasn't in attendance, presenters Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert gave the trophy to Steve Carell, who plays Michael Scott in The Office, a show Gervais created. At the end of the skit, Gervais took back his Emmy, which Carell kept with him the entire year.

Entertainment Weekly reports that the breath of fresh air was so well-received that Academy Awards producers want him to host their marathon of jewelry, designer dresses, and platitudes next year. Of course, if all it takes is a funny two minutes at the Emmys, why the hell didn't they call Don Rickles? Mr. Warmth was funny as a presenter and as a winner.

(While we're on the subject of the Emmys, have you ever noticed that the winner of Best Direction in a Musical or Variety Program is always the guy who directs the Oscars? And he's always in the truck directing the Emmys when he wins? And have you ever noticed how many gaffes there are in the Oscars? They should give it to the guy directing the Super Bowl. He's only got about two dozen cameras to juggle.)

So what about Gervais? I like the idea in theory. I think he might be a little too snarky and acerbic for that crowd (paging David Letterman), but it would definitely be funny. The only thing playing against him is his unfamiliarity. After all, Ghost Town hasn't invited a lot of new converts, based on it's cold box office reception. He's not Steve Martin or Billy Crystal. My dad probably doesn't know who the hell he is. Just remember that last year's Oscars telecast was the lowest rated in history. Some of that had to do with the Best Picture nominees not having big, splashy Hollywood pedigrees, but that plays back into unfamiliarity.

Would they be better off with Ellen? Definitely. She's a fantastic host - just think back to the 2001 Emmys post 9/11, which rejuvenated her career and succeeded against huge obstacles - and everyone knows her. She's been on that stage before, she's timely again because of her recent marriage, and the audience and the producers know what they're getting.

Would I like to see Gervais for my own personal satisfaction? Again: Definitely.

Colin Boyd |

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Reader Comments (6)

Hmmm... Part of me thinks Gervais would be fantastic. Another part of me thinks that 4 hours is too long for me to handle his particular kind of humour! I can only cringe, wince and laugh uncomfortable for so long in one evening...