"I've just learned that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has asked James Franco and Anne Hathaway to host the Academy Awards, and it "looks like" both young stars have accepted the offer. There is always the chance that one of them might back out because of prior commitments. But my sources say the host announcement could be made as soon as this week. Both are starring in Fox movies out in theaters now: Franco in Fox Searchlight's 127 Hours, and Hathaway in 20th Century Fox's Love And Other Drugs. Hathaway did a major dance and musical number with then host Hugh Jackman at the Academy Awards two years ago. Franco is also a multitalented actor. Both are equally adept at comedy and drama. Their selection, if true, is an inspired choice and demonstrates how much current Academy president Tom Sherak wants to improve Oscar ratings."
http://www.deadline.com/2010/11/james-franco-and-anne-hathaway-to-host-oscar/
Interesting choice.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
You said it. I guess next they'll have Daughtry host the Grammys-- if he can get the day off from the car wash.
I love James Franco, but he's edging into the NPH overexposure zone.
I can get having actors/nominees being the hosts but this is an odd pairing.
It does seem random, but I bet there is a connection that we're just not thinking of.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
As one article pointed out, this is the Academy attempting to lure younger viewers- these two hosts' ages combined don't equal the age of either host last year.
Alec Baldwin is 52. Franco is 32 and Hathaway is 28. I am guessing somebody at the academy got hold of both of their hosting gigs on SNL.
I was going to point that out, but Hugh Jackman is pretty young.
Anyway, if they are trying to skew young, these two (as much as I love them) aren't really what I'd call a draw.
I still think Betty White should do it!
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
Sorry Strummer- I was wrong. They said "Franco and Hathaway’s combined age (61) is less than Steve Martin’s."
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
If the kids is what they want, Hire Justin Bieber.
R-Patz and K-Stew!
They can brood and be all angsty for 3.5 hours.
K-Stew coughing and looking all disinterested before 'The Academy celebrates horror films' was one of the most unintentionally hilarious bits of last year's awards.
As long as it's not Gary Shandling or Glenn Beck, I'm fine with it.
So you'd be cool with a Coulter/Palin pairing?
I would LOVE to see them face an audience of libruls, homos and Jesus-killers for a few hours. That would be GOLD!
Wouldn't it?
Lol!
And they could do a comedy segment with a surprise guest! (Rush Limbaugh - shhh)
They could have Rush do the Beyonce thing and sing all the nominated songs.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69

Rush does a great "Single Ladies" Number.
Booooring.
How about Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand to cohost the show?
Or Judi Dench and Maggie Smith for the pleasure of their company?
Or Howard Stern and Robin Quivers?
I also think they are continuing the 10 "Best Picture" noms.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
You must be old. Those people are all like 100.
How about Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand to cohost the show?
Because they know the gays will already be watching.
Or Judi Dench and Maggie Smith for the pleasure of their company?
Because they know the gays will already be watching.
Or Howard Stern and Robin Quivers?
Because there may not be an unlimited budget for FCC fines.
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