To cap off what will be a landmark year for Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane after the colossal success of his feature film foray Ted, the funnyman has just been officially tapped to host the 85th annual Academy Awards.
The Academyof Motion Picture Arts and Sciences broke the news, which will mark Seth MacFarlane’s first trip to the Oscar stage and a generally rare in-person appearance, being known mainly for his voice acting including the titular teddy bear in this year’s hit Ted and Peter, Brian and Stewie Griffin in the aforementioned Family Guy.
On the news, telecast producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron had this to say:
“We are thrilled to have Seth MacFarlane host the Oscars. His performing skills blend perfectly with our ideas for making the show entertaining and fresh. He will be the consummate host, and we are so happy to be working with him.”
Academy President Hawk Koch added:
“We couldn’t be happier with the creative team we’ve assembled. With Craig, Neil, and now Seth, we’re off to a great start.”
In response to the offer, MacFarlane quipped:
“It’s truly an overwhelming privilege to be asked to host the Oscars. My thoughts upon hearing the news were, one, I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards set forth by my predecessors; and two, I hope they don’t find out I hosted the Charlie Sheen Roast.”
To be quite honest, in his interviews, commentaries and other brief live-action stints I find MacFarlane to be a natural comedic talent – far more charming when freed from the smothering presence of the way-past-its-prime Family Guy, as was evident in the effectiveness of Ted.
As for being an Oscar host in general, Seth MacFarlane should prove to be a good balance between what The Academy has opted to do in past years, neither mimicking the hugely young-skewing duo of Anne Hathaway and James Franco, nor marking a reversion to the ways of old by brining back a past host like Billy Crystal.
Say what you will about the man and his three low-brow small screen efforts, but he surprised everyone with Ted this year and should be given a chance to prove that it wasn’t a fluke. And to be honest, how could he be any worse than some of the recent emcees?
The Oscars will hit the small screen Sunday, February 24th.