By now you’ve probably heard the reports that Hugh Jackman has turned down an offer to repeat as next year’s Academy Awards host. But is this really a big shock? Jackman won raves for his emceeing skills at this year’s telecast—why shouldn’t he quit while he’s on top? Plus, it’s not like he’s a host by trade and needs to further that image in people’s minds. He’s a movie star, so I’m sure he’d rather focus on his real career instead of taking on what must be one of the most stressful and financially thankless jobs around.
So who should producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic turn to now? One of Shankman’s Hairspray cast members like John Travolta or even (gasp!) Zac Efron? How about his Wedding Planner leading lady Jennifer Lopez? And don’t forget he worked with past Oscar host Steve Martin in Bringing Down the House. Shankman loves surprising people, so I doubt he’ll go for the obvious.
Who would you like to see put on the tuxedo next March? An actor or actress? A singer? Or a professional host? And remember, I’m also on Twitter (@davekarger) for all your Oscar needs.
Image credit: Michael Yarda/A.M.P.A.S.
NPH!
Yes, yes, 1000 times yes. I would actually watch it!
I get that Hugh is a big movie star – for NPH to be known as the go-to host for awards show would not be a bad career choice for him. And that guy’s awesome.
No contest! NPH all the way!
Do they even need to consider anyone else? NO! Offer him the job today!
Gotta turn to Doogie!!
Craig Ferguson!!!
friggin awesome choice.
Ditto!
NPH! Then perhaps Steve Carrell or Conan
NPH, obviously!! He is the perfect host – I can’t believe the author didn’t even mention him when it seems like he should be the most obvious choice.
Jason Alexander is a great funny man, singer, dancer or Sandra Bullock is one of the most under rated talents in TV & film today. She’s very funny too.
Bring back John Stewart! I liked him as a guest. But please, no Ellen or whoopi. I would never watch the oscars again if they started having people like zac efron host.
“Rave” reviews? He was fine, but Hugh was nothing special or memorable.
And hosting ONE year is not “going out on top”…
I think about half the people loved him which makes it a rave review, because usually the host is hated so much. I dont remember the last time a non Billy Crystal host got anywhere near the positive reviews Jackman got. And ONE year can be “going out on top” if Letterman hosted one year and is considered the bottom.
ricky gervais!
Agreed!
Gervais is hosting the Golden Globes!
NPH! NPH! NPH!
i know he’s hosting the gg’s…but he should host everything. always.
Conan O’Brien
Didnt he do it once and no one liked him? Or was that the emmy’s?
That was David Letterman (or Chris Rock, but I doubt you would confuse those two).
Conan did the emmys in 2006
I second Conan!! He KILLED both times he did the Emmy’s! He would rule!
Conan’s perfect for The Emmy’s but not a good fit for The Oscar’s. NPH or Gervais are much better fits!
Billy Crystal!!!
Yeah! Everybody knows he is the backup if nobody else is picked up.
Maybe Queen Latifah, she’s fine too!
Surprised? No. Happy? YES.
That’s too bad for the Academy. Jackman was terrific and most people loved him. I wonder who they’ll bring on this year’s show. I smell the numbers dropping…
Dwight Shrute!
Justin Timberlake. Even better than Jackman.
What a great idea!! I never thought of JT(as I call him…LOL)!! He is perfect…talented, funny, classy, good looking, appropriate, perfect!
no one is better than Hugh Jackman, I love his movies, my boyfriend looks like hugh
Imma let you finish but Hugh Jackman is the best Oscars host of the decade! JT is cute but no no, he can’t do the same job.
Alec Baldwin. Tina Fey. Alec Baldwin AND Tina Fey.
im not surprised that jackman is not hosting again, i liked him, but i would love to see neil patrick harris or alec baldwin host, both would be perfect.
I’m glad Jackman is not hosting. He was a little bland for my tastes. Bring on NPH, Ricky Gervais or……KATHY GRIFFIN!!!!
Hella Yes. NPH is a little too tame for me, but he could do it. Ricky Gervais would be the best choice if he wasn’t already doing the Golden Globes. But I have to say that Kathy Griffin would be the best m***** f****** host EVER!!!!!!!!!
Agreed with Kathy Griffin! Or Wanda Sykes. Or even Chelsea Handler. A woman would rock! Just no Billy Crystal. Puhleaze.