The 2010 Oscars Have a Host (Actually….Two)

While the Oscars were never really in jeopardy, a lot of people wondered who would be hosting the 2010 gig.

Last year's producers, Larry Mark and Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) were too busy to return, despite the fact that they helped raise last year's ratings by 13%.  The producing job then went to Adam Shankman (Hairspray) and Bill Mechanic (former CEO of 20th Century Fox Filmed Entertainment) and the search for a host continued.

Last year's host, Hugh Jackman, breathed new life into the show and the ratings, but he opted not to return again (though he will likely return at some point in the future).  A lot of names were being tossed around, including Tina Fey and Steve Martin (as a duo), Stephen Colbert and even veteran host Billy Crystal.

Word broke today that the producers asked the duo of Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr. to host and I was incredibly disappointed to learn they turned it down.  That would have been so, so awesome.  Neil Patrick Harris was also someone who was rumored to be considered, but despite the fact that he's a fantastic host, some people feel he's over-exposed right now on the hosting circuit.

So who's the 2010 hosts, you ask?  None other than the team of Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin.  DHD posted this Academy press release:

Beverly Hills, CA—Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin will serve as co-hosts of the 82nd Academy Awards®, Oscar telecast producers Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman announced today.

We think the team of Steve and Alec are the perfect pair of hosts for the Oscars,” said Shankman and Mechanic.  “Steve will bring the experience of having hosted the show in the past and Alec will be a completely fresh personality for this event.”

“I am happy to co-host the Oscars with my enemy Alec Baldwin,” said Martin.

“I don’t play the banjo but I’m thrilled to be hosting the Oscars – it’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Baldwin.

Martin hosted the 73rd and 75th Academy Awards shows, earning an Emmy nomination for the first stint.  He has also served as a presenter on the show several times, most recently at the ceremony in February when he appeared with Tina Fey. He is currently touring with the bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers in support of his latest album “The Crow: New Songs for the Five String Banjo.” In 1977 and 1978 Martin won Grammys for Best Comedy Recording. He earned a third Grammy in 2001 in the Best Country Instrumental Performance category.  In 2007 Martin earned a Kennedy Center Honor.

I'm digging this.  Having just watched Father of the Bride on television this past weekend, my love affair for Steve Martin continues.  He's funny, he's charming and he's a bit old-school Hollywood.  Alec Baldwin is more of a comedian than I ever thought possible and while I don't regularly watch 30 Rock, he is always fantastic in it.

The real question is: will they sing?

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