Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin will co-host the Oscars
Hugh Jackman decided not to return as host of the 82nd annual Academy Awards.
But former host Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, the Emmy Award-winning star of NBC’s “30 Rock,” are taking the plunge and co-hosting the star-studded event on March 7 at the Kodak Theatre.
The announcement was made this afternoon by Oscar telecast producers Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman.
Martin, who hosted the 73rd and 75th Oscar ceremony, said in a statement: “I am happy to co-host the Oscars with my enemy Alec Baldwin.”
“I don’t play the banjo but I am thrilled to be hosting the Oscars -- it’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” said movie buff Baldwin in a statement. Though Baldwin will be making his hosting debut, he’s no stranger to the Academy Awards having been nominated for a supporting actor Oscar for 2003’s “The Cooler.”
The two actors are also appearing together in director Nancy Meyers' December comedy "It's Complicated" alongside perennial Oscar favorite Meryl Streep.
Though it’s rare in recent years to have two performers share hosting duties, it’s not unprecedented. In 1987, for example, Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn and Paul Hogan shared hosting duties and in 1975, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Shirley MacLaine and Frank Sinatra were the emcees.
“We think the team of Steve and Alec are the perfect pair of hosts for the Oscars,” the producers said in a statement. “Steve will being the experience of having hosted the shot in the past and Alec will be a completely fresh personality for this event.”
-- Susan King
Photos: Steve Martin, left, and Alec Baldwin / Getty Images
Can Steve Martin's ego allow him to share the stage with someone who is so much more "current" than he is? Alec is also alot funnier.
Posted by: Woody McBreairty | November 03, 2009 at 04:19 PM
Will not watch with the bully Baldwin on stage! Oscars should go the way of the dinosaur!
Posted by: Mol | November 03, 2009 at 04:22 PM
And they thought the ratings were poor the last couple of years. This will be the lowest rated Oscar telecast in history guaranteed. With all do respect, niter one of these guys can carrie an audience for three hours. Fresh he will be, good, NO!
Posted by: Ricky Jervais | November 03, 2009 at 04:27 PM
Typo much?
Posted by: Dina | November 03, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Steve and Alec will be a killer team.
Posted by: Tip And Ring | November 03, 2009 at 05:18 PM
I like Dina. she cracked me up.
Posted by: Thom | November 03, 2009 at 05:21 PM
Isn't that the guy who called his daughter a despicable little pig?
Posted by: Markham | November 03, 2009 at 05:40 PM
Oh yaah! Rock n' roll baby!!
Posted by: ambro | November 03, 2009 at 06:32 PM
Interesting idea.
But w/10 Best Picture nominees. and now 2 hosts (co-hosts) how are they going to keep the pace of the show under 3 hours?
Did the studio producing "Too Complicated" have something to do with the choice?
Posted by: Rich | November 03, 2009 at 10:26 PM