It's official! Jon Stewart hosting Oscars
Filed under: Awards, Oscar Watch
Erik passed on word of
whispers last night, but statements released this morning make it official: Jon Stewart will host the 2006 Academy
Awards. "Jon is the epitome of a perfect host — smart, engaging, irreverent and funny," Oscar producer
Gil Cates said. Stewart released a statement of his own: "As a performer, I'm truly honored to be hosting the
show. Although, as an avid watcher of the Oscars, I can't help but be a little disappointed with the choice. It appears
to be another sad attempt to smoke out Billy Crystal."It's clearly one of AMPAS' sporadic attempts to skew younger with the telecast, which in itself is odd, considering that they tried that just last year – and Chris Rock's performance, which skewered young stars such as Jude Law and Tobey Maguire, seemed like a minor failure. What kind kind of job do you think Stewart will do as host, and who else would you have picked?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-05-2006 @ 1:12PM
Christopher Campbell said...
I love Jon Stewart but I'm not sure he fits at all. I'm imagining it to be like the year David Letterman hosted. And I actually think it will hurt the Oscars' ratings politically.
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1-05-2006 @ 1:15PM
James Hudnall said...
I don't think Stewart is the right kind of talent for such a big event. His humor seems to be more small scale, suitable for one on one talk show format. The Oscars need someone who can talk boldly to a crowd and he doesn't have that persona. Still, he'd be better than Rock or Goldberg who didn't have any class. I think Steve Martin was the best of the recent hosts.
Someone who could probably do it well is Jay Leno, since he is used to working a crowd. He may noy have the glamour they're looking for, however. Not that Whoopie qualifies.
Actually, Conan O'Brian would be good, also.
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1-05-2006 @ 1:52PM
MOE said...
I think this is a great choice. Stewart will be funny without insulting too many people or creating uncomfortable moments for the crowd or the TV audience. I bet he ends up doing it for several years.
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1-05-2006 @ 2:33PM
Adam said...
Stewart is exactly who I would have picked. He knows how to be entertaining without stealing a show. Hopefully they'll let him bring his own team of writers.
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1-05-2006 @ 3:07PM
Elliott said...
My top 3 picks:
1. Ellen
2. Jon Stewart
3. Jimmy Fallon (Don't judge me)
Reply
1-05-2006 @ 3:48PM
Slam Peckinpah said...
They should allow characters to host:
Ricky Gervais as David Brent
Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy
Ben Kingsley as Don Logan
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