Jon Stewart to return as Oscar host

Rob Mullins Mon, Feb 25, 2008 at 01:58 PM EST

I was not impressed with John Stewart's job as a host. I would not invite him back.

Beth Mon, Feb 25, 2008 at 08:01 AM EST

Jon Stewart rocked! Incredibly funny, but almost as important, he has the same quality that all great party givers share. When I go to a great party, the most important thing is how comfortable the host is,and how comfortable they make you feel in their home. That comes from confidence. Jon is confident without being arrogant. He is so comfortable in his own skin, and makes the audience feel at home. He did not just do his planned material, either. He had some great ad libs. My admiration of this man went up a couple of notches. COngratulations, Jon!

Greg Thu, Sep 13, 2007 at 01:57 PM EST

Immediately following the 2006 Oscars, feedback on Stewart's performance was mostly positive. Then when Ellen was picked the following year, people started describing his reviews as "mixed." Now we're saying he was "widely maligned"?
I think he was great in '06 and he'll be even better this year, with the election looming. Just because he doesn't sing, dance, and generally act like a court jester playing the buffoon to entertain Hollywood's royalty doesn't mean that he was shaky, nervous, or reserved. He's an erudite, dryly sarcastic comic with an understated style that was a refreshing change from years past.
That said, I agree that they should bring back Steve Martin. With good writing, he can do both silly and snarky better than anybody.

kayla Thu, Sep 13, 2007 at 11:36 AM EST

Wonderful news! I now have a reason to watch the Oscar's again. Loved Ellen and of course Billy Crystal, but Jon is the best. I now pronnounce him "Senior Oscar Correspondent"...

Liz Thu, Sep 13, 2007 at 07:37 AM EST

I'm so glad he's coming back to host! He's the funniest and smartest host since Crystal hosted, and I loved the campaign-ads for all the best actresses that the Daily Show guys put together for the show. I'm sure he'll be an even better host the second time around.

FLIPPER Thu, Sep 13, 2007 at 07:22 AM EST

Yeah, he'll do just fine.

Doug Thu, Sep 13, 2007 at 05:00 AM EST

Darn. I really, really enjoyed Ellen's Oscars show last year. The vacuuming bit was especially funny. Low-key, a very pleasant viewing experience. Wish they'd asked her back for 2008!

Mala Thu, Sep 13, 2007 at 02:27 AM EST

First of all, I liked Ellen, and Conan did great at the Emmys (though I can't imagine ABC ever asking a NBC figurehead). But Stewart is a wonderful choice. Smart and funny. As for the 'critics': well, I guess you can't please everyone. Already, I hear 'Oh, he's gonna be too political' vs. 'I just hope he'll be more daring this year'. Whatever.

Shamrock Thu, Sep 13, 2007 at 12:44 AM EST

Critics? What do they know. It's about time that the Oscars get hip with younger viewers, that is why it is good to see the likes of Jack Black, Will Ferrell, and Ben Stiller have bits during the telecast. Who wants a stuffy award show. It's supposed to be fun.

Jakeem Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 11:32 PM EST

It's all the same now. Just about every recent Oscars host, including Stewart, has been a familiar face on both movie and television screens. Even David Letterman has had small bits in movies such as "Cabin Boy," "American Splendor" and "Man on the Moon."

mrclean Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 10:28 PM EST

when was the last time a film actor or actress hosted the Oscars? I think it's a sign that the movie industry is out of original talent when they have to go to TV to get someone funny to host their party!

Brandon Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 08:19 PM EST

Maligned? I heard nothing but good things. Hmm, I guess it's all in what you read... Plus, those fake campaign ads? Funniest skits in effing Oscar history.

Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 07:04 PM EST

Finally, a reason to watch the Oscars again! Only his dry, witty humor can really make fun of something while participating in it.

RP Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 06:38 PM EST

Daniel, he was widely maligned by critics, aka "Those People Who Have No Idea What The General Public Likes".

This makes me wish I still had TV! :(

BrandonK Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 05:47 PM EST

I thought it was good, too. Jon Stewart, Ellen DeGeneres, and Conan O'Brien are all great hosts.

jonathan Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 05:47 PM EST

I was kind of hoping they would give it to Seinfeld after his hilarious speach last year and with his hatred for Awards Shows, I thouth it could be funny. But I am glad they gave it to Jon again.

Valerie Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 05:28 PM EST

Yay for Jon ! I also agree with the post about NOT giving this gig to Idol boy !

Lena Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 05:25 PM EST

Thank God Seacrest didn't get THIS gig.

Daniel Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 04:43 PM EST

"Widely Maligned"???
What are you talking about?
Jon Stewart was awesome.

Felix Felicis Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 04:24 PM EST

Conan all the way!!!!!!!!

healthypanda Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 03:25 PM EST

He was hilarious the first time around. I just think that Hollywood was offended by his (very hilarious) Scientology jokes.

actingup Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 03:20 PM EST

I love Jon Stewart so I don't mind that he is back. But my all time favorite host was STEVE MARTIN. I think he is brilliant and I wish they would have him back. And I second the other post that says Conan O'Brien should just host all the award shows. Hear hear! LOVE CONAN.

Stef Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 02:39 PM EST

This is great news! I loved Jon's performance the first time. His opening monologue was a little shaky, he seemed nervous but as the night went on he got funnier and funnier and I laughed louder and louder. I think he was so great because he didn't let the celebrities get away with taking themselves so seriously. They didn't like that too much, but we at home were loving it.

yssys Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 02:37 PM EST

Maybe in 2009 when Conan will be in Leno's Place he'll host the Oscars...and then we'll see the best host ever!

Ceballos Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 02:24 PM EST

I agree with Jakeem. Stewart was better than Ellen last year (the show seemed a little too big for her), but not outstanding. I liked his (and his writers') aforementioned shot at montages, the George Clooney gag, the montage suggesting homoerotic context in old Westerns (inspired by Brokeback) and the thing with the Best Actress candidates smear campaigns against each other.

That trademark wit should be back, and Stewart should be more relaxed this time around.

(I'd still give Conan the Oscars to see what he'd do with it...sorry but after his performance at the Emmys last year, I'm obsessed with having him host everything.)

meg Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 02:17 PM EST

Yay! Jon is back!

Bobby Rowe Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 02:16 PM EST

I loved JS last time. Love Ellen too, but they could definitely have done worse this year (I'm looking at you, Carson Daly).

Dominic Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 02:12 PM EST

Jon was great the first time, and I thought he was unfairly referred to as below par.

Janice Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 01:50 PM EST

I was angry when critics blasted him the first go round. I can't remember laughing that hard at an awards show in a while. He was brilliant and I can't wait to see what he does this year.

Alan Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 01:29 PM EST

He was "widely maligned"? By who? Billy Crystal fans? I think it's a great move. As much as I love Ellen, I love Jon Stewart too and I know he will do a great job. But I'm still completely P-O'd about Ryan Seacrest hosting the Emmys when Conan O'Brien was totally hillarious the year before!

Stephen Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 01:29 PM EST

I would have liked Colbert host, but maybe John will speed things up there.

Michelle Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 01:20 PM EST

I am so happy! I loved it when he hosted, I never miss the Oscars and I think he added a little edge, or at least he tried to.

Jakeem Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 01:13 PM EST

He was better than Ellen DeGeneres was at the 2007 Oscars, but somehow she got nominated for an Emmy for her stint as host.

melissa Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 01:04 PM EST

I enjoyed Jon Stewart as host and am happy to see him return. I'll plan to watch at least some of the telecast just to see what he has in store.

GingerCat Wed, Sep 12, 2007 at 01:03 PM EST

I agree, I liked him the first time and suspect he'll be even better with a little experience under his belt.
But I can't remember--who hosted last year?