It was a move that was deemed by most people – and not just by the press – as both bold and unexpected. The producers of the Oscars ceremony has announced on Monday that they have selected TV writer-producer Seth MacFarlane to be the host of the 85th Annual Academy Awards on February 24.
Oscars telecast producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said in a statement that they are “thrilled” about their choice and further explaining, “His performing skills blend perfectly with our ideas for making the show entertaining and fresh,” and even calling him the “consummate host.”
When asked about what he thought about the decision, the 38-year-old entertainer said, “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.”
Seth MacFarlane had two previous hosting experiences: one was for the season opener for Saturday Night Live, and the other was Comedy Central’s Roast of Charlie Sheen.
Nominations for the 85th annual Oscars will be announced on January 10, nearly a week earlier than traditionally revealed and ahead of the Golden Globe Awards.
Further reading at Entertainment Weekly.