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New Host and No Jokes at the Oscars This Year?

by Alex Billington
December 11, 2008
Source: Deadline Hollywood

Even though I could've sworn I remember hearing that Jon Stewart would be back, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hasn't yet officially announced the host for this year's Oscars. However, Hollywood insider Nikki Finke at Deadline Hollywood has learned that they're choosing "way outside the box" and going with a non-comedian and non-TV personality this year, although it will be someone from the movie business. Finke also reports that they won't have the "traditional segment of joke-telling near the start of the broadcast." It looks like the Academy is really trying to reshape the Oscars this year.

If all goes as planned, the official announcement could arrive as early as next week. Since 1940 the Oscars have been typically hosted by a TV personality or comedian the likes of Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, or Whoopi Goldberg. I'll be very interested to see who they choose this year, as I'm guessing it might be someone young, since the Academy is trying to boost their ratings and gain viewers again. They've already approved running new trailers during commercial breaks and are probably going to nominate Kirk Lazarus, so why not switch up the act and choose a hip young non-comedian host this year?

I, for one, was never a big fan of the jokes, even though I admit I usually chuckle at a few. Obviously it depends on who is delivering them, and I thought Jon Stewart did a great job last year. Not only was he smart and professional, but added a light touch of comedy that made some awkward moments work out in the end. But will it make all the difference? Will viewers tune in knowing that they're going to see an Oscars telecast without the typical jokes? It all depends on who they get to host the show, but then again, I'm guessing it'll be someone young with a lot of appeal. Only time will tell! Will you still tune in?

Explore tags: Discussion, Movie News

Secret-Asian-Man!!

Thank God. Those comedians were enormous turn-offs and made the ceremonies impossible to take seriously. Man, show some reverence for the art!!
http://twitter.com/tonyrockyhorror TonyRockyHorror

Rachel Maddow for the win! Seriously though, I'll miss the jokes. They're what make getting through the boring awards tolerable.
http://www.entertainmenttodayandbeyond.com entertainmenttodayandbeyond.com

The opening Monalogue is the Oscars! Nobody was better than Billy Crystal! Chuck
bob

The biggest thing i have learnt from this post is that Jon Stewart is a comedian.
Marc

I really liked Jon Stewart last year. It would be great to see him again.
Joker

If I dont like any of the movies nominated I usually only watch the opening monalogue and I think I may not be the only one in that department.
AllmightyKeim

Let someone like Will Ferral do it this year. Screw it get SNL to do it all.
IamHer

I've heard a rumour that Justin Timberlake was being considered.
Butters

Thank god Jon Stewart isn't hosting. I find it impossible to watch him for more than 2 minutes without breaking my TV. Not that i would ever actually watch the Oscars anyway when i can just see who won the next morning instead of being bored to death for however long the Oscars last.
lolwut

Steve Carell should host it.
Hector N

I think they're making adjustments to the Oscars because last year's transmission had a very low audience.
BRBomber

Lebron James should host it.
Darunia

Well if they get rid of the jokes, than they assume a more serious stance on what they are doing, but they have to bump up the entertainment in other areas. Like, letting people talk after winning for more than a minute, have more musical performances maybe, i don't know.
Shige

If they get rid of the jokes they risk to reveal what Oscars really is. A buncha politically correct tightasses patting each other on the back.
viral

tina fey! no sarah silverman or will farrel please they are just lame.
Movie Fan

#14, that isn't too far from the truth, actually. I've never taken the Oscars seriously, so why are the Academy making me do so now? No comedians? Then the show isn't a comedy, especially with all of those overrated movies, after all? Sheesh.
http://www.lifeasfiction.com Rahat

Outside bet on Anderson Cooper.
darrin

get stephen colbert
JustinWhy

People actually still watch the Oscars? Hmm.. interesting.
Timm

Hugh Jackman. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28195631/
Abel MARTINEZ

People still watch the oscars let alone all the trash on tv itself? Im glad Im into japanese anime because I think that is more original than ne movie ever made in my lifetime... Sad but true... Why do ppl wanna watch other so called elites "Pat themselves on the back for contributing to only themselves...?"