AWARDS
Hugh Jackman Not Returning to Host the Oscars - Who Should?
by Alex Billington
October 30, 2009
Aw shucks! Variety is reporting that Hugh Jackman "quietly turned down the job within the past few weeks." There was much speculation that the Academy might bring back Jackman to host the Oscars once again next March, but that's no longer the case. Last year's presentation was like nothing we've ever seen the Academy do before, with musical numbers and cardboard sets and duets with Anne Hathaway. I enjoyed it, I liked Jackman as the host, now they just need to live up to that or perhaps even improve more this time. So if Jackman is out, who should they pick to host the Oscars? And it can't be another comedian! Or can it?
If they're going to stick with a similar structure this time, they'll need someone who can sing and dance, which rules out just about every comedian who's hosted the Oscars before (except maybe Billy Crystal?). Jeff Wells on Hollywood Elsewhere thinks they need to go younger - Ben Stiller or Owen Wilson or maybe even Sarah Silverman or Vince Vaughn. Nice suggestions all around. My mind immediately jumps to Neil Patrick Harris, who has as much of a big screen presence as he does on stage, so having him host the Oscars (as well as the Tonys and the Emmys) doesn't seem like overload. Who would be a good host?
Reader Feedback - 47 Comments
1
nph? he's done everything else
Tim on Oct 30, 2009
2
Megan Fox!!! j/k
Sean on Oct 30, 2009
3
Looks like you were thinking right Alex: http://thefilmstage.com/2009/10/30/jackman-out-neil-patrick-harris-to-host-2010-academy-awards/
Jordan Raup on Oct 30, 2009
4
ricky gervais but hes taken, unless no1 cares i think he'd be good. or steve carrell
lego on Oct 30, 2009
5
Bring back Jon Stewart, he was the best and funniest host for the Academy Awards.
Thor on Oct 30, 2009
6
NPH would do it and he's very likeable. Uhhh Ben Stiller is "going younger?" Is that you or the Academy saying that cause he's not much younger than Jon Stewart and Ellen. They need to get out of the Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg phase; those were stupid. Sarah Silverman, VV and Gervais are too hit and miss. They need someone that can appeal to everyone.
branden on Oct 30, 2009
7
Damn it! These are bad news! I was hoping Hugh would return as the host...
:P on Oct 30, 2009
8
Will Smith... he'd never do it though
Rob on Oct 30, 2009
9
My personal pick would be Seth Macfarlane, the creator and star of Family Guy. The man is freaking hilarious and actually has a great singing voice. Other than that I had a few ideas: Though I personally dont find him funny, Jeff Dunham is building a huge fan base and it would be an interesting choice. How awesome would it be if Dave Chappelle made a comeback by hosting the Oscars? Travolta can sing and dance so he could do it. Jim Carrey?
DC from DC on Oct 30, 2009
10
David Letterman
ryderup on Oct 30, 2009
12
Steve Carell would be the only comedic choice, most comedians tend to not be funny at the Oscars and ruin it. If its not Carell, it needs to be someone classy. Jackman was the perfect host- some show, some humor and tons of class....
one on Oct 30, 2009
13
martin scorcese
sam on Oct 30, 2009
14
kanye west
TediusTed on Oct 30, 2009
15
SARAH FUCKING SILVERMAN.
tobi,leader of the akatsuki on Oct 30, 2009
16
bill o'reilly
Scagginsvolley on Oct 30, 2009
17
Michael Bay should direct it, some wrestlers could host it, infact they should just get robotots to deliver the one-liners then Mikie Bwoy could blow them the feck up.
Crapola on Oct 30, 2009
18
well you ever does it will have to fill some very big shoes, Hugh Jackman really did an excellent job hosting.
xerxex on Oct 30, 2009
19
I think Mr. Downing Jr. would be a good host for the oscars.
CSGabriel on Oct 30, 2009
20
Steve Carell would be a terrible host. He has admitted that he would not be a very good stand up comic and that's basically what the hosts are.
branden on Oct 30, 2009
21
they should get the man...the myth...the legend....the balls Ron Burgandy!
Cesking on Oct 30, 2009
22
GET GERARD BUTLER! TO DO IT!
Ridwanul Hoque on Oct 30, 2009
23
Eddie Vedder?
ryderup on Oct 30, 2009
24
neil patrick harris or michael sheen because they are both fuckin great!!!
yojoe on Oct 30, 2009
27
Yay! Good heavens! Yeah #8, Will Smith would be great!
LuckyLoser on Oct 30, 2009
28
#16 that would be the best show ever especily if they got sean penn on the same stage bring on the death match
rowdy on Oct 30, 2009
29
Seth Macfarlane, Dave Chappelle, Sarah Silverman or Will Ferrell all get my vote. But, do I get a vote?
David Banner on Oct 30, 2009
30
NPH or Edward Norton, loved him in "Everybody Says I Love You"
JP on Oct 30, 2009
31
None of those suggested would even come close to Hugh Jackman. I see no point in watching.
standatiptoe on Oct 30, 2009
32
Flight of the conchords.
PJ H on Oct 30, 2009
33
Will Ferrell
Caitie on Oct 30, 2009
34
John C Riley!
Seductive Flamingo on Oct 30, 2009
35
WILL FERRELL!!!!!!
will on Oct 30, 2009
36
Will Ferrell? Yeah, give the pulpit to some more of those second rate comedians who can't help but make crude political jokes about evil Rethuglicans and in the next breath they can push the current Liberal thought of the day. All the while getting rabid applause from the audience and yet pissing off half the viewers around the planet at the same time. #10 David Letterman I agree. He is so darn funny and he is already in tune with the current Hollywood mindset. He just has to stand there and it makes you barf - err I mean larf. We could have more on screen jokes about how he was a serial philanderer. Could be a riot. Jackman was a gentleman, and will be hard to replace.
nef deppard on Oct 30, 2009
38
#2 Megan Fox ^ +1 LOL!
Golgo 13 on Oct 30, 2009
39
I would love to see Johny Depp do it... i thought he was a great singer in Sweeney Todd... it would be really interesting!!!
Faust on Oct 30, 2009
40
Thank God; Jackman is out! Howie Mandel could make it fun again.
Hattori Hanzo on Oct 31, 2009
41
NPH is the obvious choice. My longshot choice is comedian Kathy Griffin
kidgamer on Oct 31, 2009
42
I vote NPH or Joel McHale.
Kevin on Oct 31, 2009
43
Neil Patrick Harris is a little-known entity. He's not going to bring in audiences. He did a decent job with the Emmy Awards, but the only reason he received so much praise was because the previous hosts were terrible. A more established (and talented) host is needed.
Jeremy on Oct 31, 2009
44
Conan O' Brien!!!
riva on Oct 31, 2009
45
Joey Lawrence. "WHOA!" .
BinYe on Nov 1, 2009
46
my vote would have to be for Dale Earnhart, number 3 will live forever in heaven with jesus. amen
jose williams on Nov 1, 2009
47
Christopher Walkin!!!!!!!
THEman on Nov 2, 2009
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