Who should host the Oscars this year?

rachel Sun, Feb 24, 2008 at 06:24 PM EST

Stephen Colbert

rachel Sun, Feb 24, 2008 at 06:24 PM EST

Stephen Colbert

Tinman Fri, Jan 6, 2006 at 10:06 AM EST

Well it turned out that Jon Stewart will be the one then, lovely I think.
I bet you 100 bucks that he will be brilliant *and* slag off our corrupt
president like you´ve never seen it before...

Bryan Thu, Jan 5, 2006 at 02:44 AM EST

Though I doubt if it will pass Oscars standards, here's how I envision the Academy Awards with Conan O'Brien as host:

- Conan jumping up and down and doing his slow silly walk on his way to the stage.

- Conan doing a short monologue on the "latest news," but this time talking about the nominated films.

- Conan making bold predictions on what would happen that night, to the tune of "In the year 2000..."

- Conan having a "staring contest" with the orchestra conductor. That's if Max Weinberg is unavailable.

Wouldn't it be fun?

- Triumph coming in to poke fun at the stars in the audience. But slandering them would be more like it.

- At the first hint of boredom from the audience, the masturbating bear will appear and, you know what's next.

ankur Sat, Dec 31, 2005 at 04:35 PM EST

If Conan or Kathy, or even Ellen (Does anyone remember Emmys 2001) hosted the Oscars, that would really bring my hopes up. Maybe, I would think, the Oscars aren't down the drain just yet. If Conan hosted, the originality will force down the rusty pipe and pull up the fancy-shamcy Oscar from a life of hell.

Kanthy wouldn't even have to say anything. She could just show up and stand on the stage. Just the though of her hosting the Oscars would be a punchline.

Oh, and Ellen. If Ellen hosted, my life would be complete. She's original, funny, quirty and talented, yet her show, the Ellen Degeneres Show, is putting her off foot a bit. An apperance next to the Golden Statue will surely bring out her best work.

Either three would be just dandy!

Desperate Viewer Wed, Dec 28, 2005 at 09:33 AM EST

Why must it always be a comedian? It isn't the Academy of Comedy Awards. Morgan Freeman would be an amazing choice, dignified, well-spoken, and a truly talented actor on top of it all.

Danny Wed, Dec 28, 2005 at 04:23 AM EST

If ever the Oscars are going to truly go "out of the box" and try something new and/or unusual, this is the year. If I were to make a list of who I think would be good choices, it would go like this.

Steve Martin- FANTASTIC

Conan- The man is absolute gold, though many people in the older demos don't like him as much as my generation

Lane & Broderick- Awesome idea- the guys play off each other so well

Jack Black- Amazingly funny in the right situations, and also has some recent movie relevance

Jon Stewart- A logical pick, but not the best for an international show, no matter how much I love him.

Steve Carell- Probably going to get snubbed for Virgin, and could pull it off.

Jason Lee- Budding star with Earl, also brutally funny with the right material.

Streep- Really funny in the right situations, could also pull them off with tons of class and dignity

The people I'd love to see? Let Trey Parker & Matt Stone (South Park) get free reign over it. They're topical and the two funniest guys on TV today.

Jerry S Tue, Dec 27, 2005 at 11:21 PM EST

Pam Anderson would be the perfect host. That way, the biggest boobs that night wouldn*t be the ones who will declare *Brokeback Mountain* a classic.

Jerry S Tue, Dec 27, 2005 at 11:21 PM EST

Pam Anderson would be the perfect host. That way, the biggest boobs that night wouldn*t be the ones who will declare *Brokeback Mountain* a classic.

Jerry S Tue, Dec 27, 2005 at 11:19 PM EST

Pam Anderson would be the perfect host. That way, the biggest boobs that night wouldn*t be the ones who will declare *Brokeback Mountain* a classic.

Becky Tue, Dec 27, 2005 at 09:08 PM EST

Wouldn't it be nice to have someone host who seems like they truly love to go to the movies? Maybe instead of having a comedian who has to fill the time with a monologue or teleprompted sarcasm - how about someone who oozes class and elegance, wit & charm. Do you think Morgan Freeman would do it?

Jen Tue, Dec 27, 2005 at 06:55 PM EST

I would love to see Dana Carvey come back for this. He was so great!

Christine Tue, Dec 27, 2005 at 06:32 PM EST

I don't think I've seen anyone else suggest this - but I think Craig Ferguson would be a teriffic choice - he is so deliciously cute and funny!!

LD Tue, Dec 27, 2005 at 06:11 PM EST

Kathy Griffin - she is hilarious.

Becky Tue, Dec 27, 2005 at 05:36 PM EST

Bill Cosby (?)
Sarah Silverman
Ashton Kutcher - don't know why I said that
David Letterman - just one more time
Geoffrey Rush - interesting

mike Tue, Dec 27, 2005 at 04:48 PM EST

Jon Stewart or Conan would be great. But, Steve Martin must promise never to make another lame big family comedy EVER again.

david Tue, Dec 27, 2005 at 01:16 PM EST

Bette Midler would be awesome! For anybody who has seen her live already knows, her humor is bawdy and sharp and could definately keep everyone entertained!

Fmah Tue, Dec 27, 2005 at 12:50 PM EST

Why not think out of the box... Conan? Good choice... Mr. Martin? Great choice... But how about George Carlin... Not that he'd ever do it, but can't you just imagine the censors hovering over the bleep button for 3 hours... That alone gets my vote! Rock on, George!!

Willie Tue, Dec 27, 2005 at 12:29 PM EST

Will Ferrell, Jon Stewart, Conan, or Steve Carell...
Personally I love Dave Letterman and loved him as the host..."Do ya wanna buy a monkey?"

Chris Mon, Dec 26, 2005 at 06:19 PM EST

Ewww...Dane Cook. He is really not funny and his SNL hosting gig was horrible. He just rehashed all his jokes from the terrible VMA monolouge to yet another bored audience. Cook is so annoying. Jon Stewart is interesting, but not the best. I love Conan though. He has so much charisma. What about Anna Nicole? Just kidding! Will Ferral is really overplayed. So do not choose him. George Clooney has the charm. So many choices are avaliable to be host. Let's hope it is someone good.

Deborah Mon, Dec 26, 2005 at 06:18 PM EST

Bill Mahre anyone?

jason Mon, Dec 26, 2005 at 05:59 PM EST

how about tina fey? i agree though bette middler would be great. maybe bill cosby, or roseanne, but they want movie people so that probably won't happen. regis and kelly, no, the ladies of the view, they would talk over each other, that may be the best gig yet.

Allison Mon, Dec 26, 2005 at 05:45 PM EST

Nathan Lane! He's witty and funny. Did anyone see his "Brokeback Mountain: The Musical" routine on Letterman last week? Enough said.

David Mon, Dec 26, 2005 at 08:54 AM EST

I'd probably go with Jon Stewart too -- after all, he does have more film credits than Johnny Carson did -- but I'm all giddy over the idea of Meryl Streep too.

Here's an off-the-wall choice: Albert Brooks. Can you imagine?

Lisa Mon, Dec 26, 2005 at 02:27 AM EST

There are plenty of great choices that have been mentioned. Here are a few others a little outside the box, maybe:

Eddie Murphy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, David Sedaris, Goldie Hawn (great comic actress), Ian McKellen (if you want classy), Hugh Grant, or - why not? - Dakota Fanning.

Stern?

I thought Jack Black would have been a decent choice but he was pretty bad on SNL recently. Underprepared.

SNL's Amy Poehler is the funniest and most reliable funny person in showbiz right now. She gets my #2 vote.

But my #1 vote to host the Oscars?

Bill Clinton. Now THAT would get people to watch, and he'd probably be pretty damn good.

TJ Mon, Dec 26, 2005 at 01:37 AM EST

I vote for Pedro.

richard Sun, Dec 25, 2005 at 10:35 PM EST

Bette Midler: She'd do a great opening number. She be able to handle the crowd. She wouldn't put up with a lot of crap from anybody. And besides, the people most interested in the Oscars outside of the industry are gay men, so why not have a gay icon.

dan Sun, Dec 25, 2005 at 09:41 PM EST

Kathy Griffin is a comedy abortion.

Laura Sun, Dec 25, 2005 at 04:26 PM EST

CONAN! CONAN! CONAN! (I'm chanting with ya Sherry!)

Brian Sun, Dec 25, 2005 at 01:45 AM EST

Two words: Jerry Seinfeld

Visa2 Sun, Dec 25, 2005 at 01:17 AM EST

One real choice to consider. Tom Cruise. Perhaps Katie could (silent) birth her baby during the live show. And ratings will soar if Tom goes crazier. Ratings are what matter, ya know.

SaltyCandy Sun, Dec 25, 2005 at 01:07 AM EST

What's with all the animosity against Jay Leno? He would make a good host, I think. If people didn't like him, he wouldn't have the top late night show - people would flock to Letterman (god help us!).

Conan O'Brien would be an interesting choice but is a bit too offbeat at times.

Jon Stewart and/or Stephen Colbert - not quite their type of crowd or event - they'd be good at something like the White House Press Corps Dinner.

Whoever it is, please not Ellen - she's good on her show, but she flops at award shows.

However, why not Oprah? (just for fun!)

Sherry Sat, Dec 24, 2005 at 07:47 PM EST

Conan! Conan! Conan! (C'mon, chant with me here)

Dean Sat, Dec 24, 2005 at 05:32 PM EST

You've all missed the obvious choice, Miss Piggy!

LD Sat, Dec 24, 2005 at 03:45 PM EST

You bunch of lame-ass predictable lemmings!

1. Cartman
2. Dave Chappelle
3. Ben Stiller/Vince Vaughn/Owen Wilson

Robin Williams? Just shoot me now you friggin losers!

Bobby Sat, Dec 24, 2005 at 03:02 PM EST

DANE COOK, deff, will make everyone pee their pants!

Emily Sat, Dec 24, 2005 at 02:14 PM EST

Just reiterating y'all here - Conan, John Stewart, (not Ellen, please), Steve Martin (Shopgirl, anyone?), maybe Jeremy Piven

Michelle Sat, Dec 24, 2005 at 01:01 PM EST

JEREMY PIVEN!! It would probably never happen, but man would I love that!! He gets my vote!

Simone Sat, Dec 24, 2005 at 10:46 AM EST

What about Ashlee Simpson? With her great talent, sharp intellect and piercing wit, she would take the show into the stratosphere.

Josh Sat, Dec 24, 2005 at 10:19 AM EST

I would love to see Ellen host the show, she is possibly the best host for award shows out there... and if not here, what about Margaret Cho? THAT would be interesting!

TorontoTom Sat, Dec 24, 2005 at 07:09 AM EST

Somebody with dignity and class. Somebody different. I agree with Fred - it doesn't have to be a comedian. With good writers, anything's possible.

marc Sat, Dec 24, 2005 at 01:56 AM EST

DANE COOK!!!!!

ben Sat, Dec 24, 2005 at 01:50 AM EST

Carol Channing is my answer for everything.

if she's not available, kathy griffin is a suitable plan b.

Al Sat, Dec 24, 2005 at 01:31 AM EST

Craig Ferguson or Robin Williams would be funny and interesting hosts.

Ned Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 11:28 PM EST

Jon Stewart or Conan Obrien would both be good choices, but really, anybody but Leno. There's no way I would watch it if he was hosting.

Linda Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 11:00 PM EST

Kathy Griffin would be awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!

Al Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 10:38 PM EST

Martin Short is a funny guy; but can he do a long show?
Why not try two hosts. One for each half.

Frank Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 09:22 PM EST

Kathy Griffin would be great! I think Ellen, Conan or Steve Martin would also be very good. Kathy would be my first choice.

42man Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 08:33 PM EST

Must. BE. Billy. Crystal. or. Robin. Williams!!! Otherwise, I might not watch.

Carrie Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 07:17 PM EST

Jon Stewart would be perfect. Maybe Ellen, if she's better than she was at the Emmy's. If neither of them, I'm all about having Steve Martin host again. Anything would be better than last year. Give Chris Rock his normal crowd and he's great, but with the aging academy, he's not such a great pick.

seatex Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 07:15 PM EST

Kathy Griffin would be a perfect host for the Oscars, she would be hilarious! Conan would be my 2nd choice....

brandonk Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 07:13 PM EST

Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane were great hosting the Tonys, and they have such a fun repartee...I'm sure they'd make great hosts.
Speaking of the Tonys, Hugh Jackman would be good. He's entertaining, urbane, Australian, popular, handsome...he could do the Oscars, then the Grammys and the Emmys...get in a grand slam!

Greg Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 07:05 PM EST

If they are not nominated...Nathan Lane and Mathew Broderick. Maybe next year.

Jonathan Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 05:28 PM EST

not Ellen.

Amanda Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 05:28 PM EST

Conan would rock my skull, and he would definitely ensure the Oscars a lot more viewers in the coveted young demographic that he dominates nightly.

Kyle Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 04:41 PM EST

Conan would be a perfect host. He is always funny, everbody loves him, and he's very intelligent. If Conan hosted, I can see his star and the ratings shooting right up.

freedug Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 04:34 PM EST

Jon Stewart or Jeremy Piven would be great! I think the best would be Will Ferrell, tho I read somewhere he's not interested...

jason Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 04:18 PM EST

I think they should go left-field and pick Kathy Griffin, it would be enjoyable to watch and I think that most celebrities actually like her form of comedy.

Al Davis Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 04:16 PM EST

Hey,wish BIG, Chris ROCK of course. He's funny, irreverent and enough of a crossover to have wide appeal.

brandonk Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 04:01 PM EST

I'd prefer a comedian...if they're allowed to do their bits, it helps reduce the boredom a bit. Johnny Carson and Bob Hope were dignified AND funny, so maybe somebody like that. Steve Martin can do that, Brad Garrett is good, and Ellen would be fun too.

MindyM Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 03:23 PM EST

I personally would like to see Ellen DeGeneres host the show. Maybe she wasn't up to her usual self at the last Emmys, but she did great after 9/11. Other good choices would be Conan O'Brian and Robin Williams. I don't know if Jon Stewart's humor would suit the occasion, but he could be an outside choice, if they dare.

Ken Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 02:58 PM EST

Howard Stern. Best. Host. Ever.

Kent in Kentucky Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 02:45 PM EST

I'd personally like to see Ellen do it.

One person, though, that I always thought would be a great host would be...Meryl Streep. Yes...Meryl Streep. She has shown on the numerous awards shows she's been on that she can be funny...and I think she would add quite a bit of class to the ceremonies.

Hey..why not??

Fred Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 02:38 PM EST

I must have missed the meeting when the Academy decided that ONLY a comedian was eligible to host the Oscars.

Why is that etched in stone? I wouldn't mind a dignified classy evening with say Denzel Washington hosting the night. Who cares about ratings, we're all going to watch anyway.

When you pick a comedian you have to invest 10 exttra minutes for their monologue. And 10 more minutes for the host's musical number or other comic bit. Or in the case of Billy Crystal..both.

Hey Academy, try something different.

Nancy Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 02:35 PM EST

Steve Martin! Besides Johnny Carson, he's the best host Oscar has ever had.

bethanne Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 02:23 PM EST

while brad garrett sounds interesting, i'd have to go with jon stewart!! please, please NOT ellen!

Tommy G Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 02:03 PM EST

1 - Brad Garrett would ROCK.

2 - Conan O' Brien is funny no matter what.

3 - Robin Williams is always an interesting choice.

Delon Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 01:52 PM EST

As much as i enjoy his humor, i don't think John Stewart would be a good choice for the Oscars.
The show is a globally televised live program that draws one of the biggest audience of the year on global broadcasting and i don't think Jeremy Piven is a big enough name for this.
Might be interesting to see Conan, but my choice is STEVE MARTIN.

BoxOfficeGoddess Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 01:52 PM EST

John Stewart would be great! He hosted the Grammies around 2000/2001 and he was hilarious! I also liked Steve Martin's 2 times hosting. How about a rotating host like they did at the Emmy's a few years ago? ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, the Wilson Brothers, Jeanine Garraffulo, etc. would be a good group.

Eilon Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 01:25 PM EST

I think as long as they let Ellen do what she wants, that'll be great. Other than Steve Martin, I think Tina Fey would be a great and off-choice, especially if coupled with Amy Poehler, or better yet - Jimmy Fallon. I think Bonnie Hunt would also be great!

Shauna Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 01:09 PM EST

I am all about John Stewart - But I really would like them to bring back Steve Martin. He was PERFECT and he pissed everybody off.

brandonk Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 12:36 PM EST

I'll do it!

lei Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 12:30 PM EST

It must be John Stewart!! With this years crop of movies John Stewart is the only thing that would make it bearable.

Martin Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 12:29 PM EST

Conan would be amazing!

Connie Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 12:14 PM EST

Jon Stewart! Stephen Colbert! C'mon who has more gravitas and better writers, no one!

Emily Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 11:58 AM EST

Jeremy Piven would be great. Though my dream host would be Jon Stewart.

kj Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 11:24 AM EST

anyone but ellen! please...not ellen!!!

Tim Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 11:21 AM EST

Jeremy Piven would the PERFECT host. He's got my vote!

Tim Fri, Dec 23, 2005 at 11:17 AM EST

I'm all for Jeremy Piven!!