website tracking
Search The Big Picture

« 'The Hurt Locker' Leads Gotham Awards Nominees | Main | Clooney Talks 'Fox,' 'Goats,' and 'Up in the Air' »
Monday
19Oct2009

Hugh Jackman Back as Oscar Host?

DateMonday, October 19, 2009 at 12:30PM
This past year's Academy Awards posted a slight increase in viewership over the 2008 vintage. It is claimed by many that the numbers would have been even larger if The Dark Knight had been nominated for more awards. That argument gains more weight with AMPAS' recent decision to expand the Best Picture pool to ten movies.

Still, it's not a stretch to say that the way the program was produced this past year had something to do with the ratings growth, even though the viewership is still well below peak numbers. And if the format was a hit, in a year when the Best Picture winner was, in essence, a foreign film with no stars, then it could be argued that not changing horses mid-stream is the best way to proceed this year, too.

Deadline Hollywood reports that AMPAS is hoping to recruit Hugh Jackman to host again, even though producer-director combo Larry Mark and Bill Condon can't fit it into their schedules. I thought Jackman did an admirable job. The opening number was too long and showy, even by Oscar standards, but throughout the evening I thought he handled himself and the show pretty well. You could build on it, in any case.

From Jackman's perspective, why wouldn't you do it? If you know the ropes - and he surely does - it's hard to see it hurting his career, and after the so-so Wolverine performance this summer, it might even help. But Jackman confidants have told him to pass this time, telling Nikki Finke, "He's a movie star, not a song and dance man." Funny, they weren't saying that in February.

I'm one of those people who believes the host is very important, allowing, of course, that the show itself really is not. But if you want a good Oscar telecast, you need a good host. There are only five or six awards in three hours anybody gives a damn about, and two of them are usually in the first 30 minutes, and the last batch comes three hours in. A good host navigates the in-between as well as sets the tone for the whole evening up front.

Without Jackman - and the reported offer has not been accepted or rejected, or even confirmed - there are a few old standbys, like Steve Martin, Ellen, Jon Stewart, or maybe Billy Crystal (although he's probably done for good). I would say Letterman would have been an option until about two weeks ago, thanks to his ratings spike in the late night wars.

But the person I'd call is Ben Stiller. He has consistently been among the one or two most entertaining presenters at the Academy Awards for about five years now. He's obviously got big name recognition. He's also got Little Fockers next summer, and what better way to get a mountain of free publicity?

AuthorColin Boyd | | in , | Print ArticlePrint Article | | Comment4 Comments |

Reader Comments (4)

Personally, I want Jackman back as the Oscar host. He was amazing and funny. If Jackman doesn't host, well, I'm not sure I'm gonna watch the Oscars this year...

Monday, October 19, 2009 | Unregistered Commenterjess

Love Jackman, don't want to host. Call me old fashioned but I believe a comedian should host... if not Jon Stewart (who I thought did a good job) they should go for a more controversial choice - Ricky Gervais or Sasha Baron Cohen would both do great I'm sure (Ali G has hosting experience after all).

The Stiller pick is not a bad one, you could throw Will Ferrill into the mix as well, he can handle the song and dance stuff, or at least he'd be willing to (How about a Ferrill - John C Reilly co-host?).

Monday, October 19, 2009 | Unregistered Commenteranybody

The Oscars would be funnier, classier, cooler, and much more popular with George Clooney. Maybe not this year because he's likely to be contending but one of these days.

Monday, October 19, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterJon

I love Hugh Jackman. He is funny and very gorgeous! I really want him to host again and do some sing and dance. Like hugh put on custom like the movie Australia and do some cowboy dance please!

Friday, October 30, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMINA

PostPost a New Comment

Enter your information below to add a new comment.

My response is on my own website »
Author Email (optional):
Author URL (optional):
Post:
 
Some HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>