Tim Gray has put together a typical response piece to the Hugh Jackman emcee news over at Variety, but the real interesting bits are as follows:
“[W]e are trying to turn a corner and to give the evening more of a nightclub-party feel — which it once had,” said the show’s producer Laurence Mark.
And…
“Hugh will entertain the audience throughout the show,” [Oscarcast executive producer Bill] Condon said. Jackman’s goal, as theirs, is “to keep the show hot throughout, to make it communal and great fun.”
I always knew guys like Spacey, Clooney and Jackman made sense as an Oscar host, but I never could really put into words why. But it’s starting to click. Jackman and the rest, they are perfect “master of ceremonies” types, yes, but they’re also the kind of guys you can totally see as a soiree host with the most, bouncing around an intimate gathering and asking, “How’s the tuna tar-tar?” Things like that. Mark’s “nightclub” quote nails it and I have to say, it’s nice to see him and Condon taking this so seriously and with the height of class.
Better and better…
Meanwhile, Mary McNamara has a wandering Envelope piece up that reads like a “who should host” story that had to be rethought after the Jackman news hit. Whether that’s true or not, I can’t be sure, but it’s a tally of stars to fill the hours on the show…I think.
Comments
9 responses to ““You’re so money and you don’t even know it.””
Sounds like it’s gonna be a really classy event. Anything’s better than this year’s hastily pieced together show, dominated by footage of past winners. So I’m really looking forward to this new concept!
Even more in line with the quote, Vince Vaughn would also have been a good choice. Then again, maybe he’s too edgy for the Academy’s tastes.
And yes, I realize that Vaughn isn’t that edgy anymore, which tells you something about the Academy. I mean, what was the point of getting Chris Rock to host if you were going to limit him to Bruce Vilanch-level humor?
Ugh, Vince Vaughn would have been terrible. Frat humour is funny in the tiny moments they have had it in the past years when presenters have come out because it’s over with in a couple of minutes, but an entire show of Vince bringing out his dumb cronies would be awful.
I’m glad they chose Hugh over someone like George. As much as I like Clooney, he would have made it too insular. Too “you’re all my friends so we’re just gonna chill”, ya know? Plus, I’m hoping that the inclusion of Jackman will mean less politic jokes. We all know there will be a McCain joke and an Obama reference but, oh god, could you imagine Jon Stewart or Chris Rock hosting? Yikes. And it’s obvious the revolving door of comedians isn’t helping the ratings at all.
I was hoping for Tina Fey, but whould’ve settled for Jimmy Kimmel. Also, did anyone catch Sarah Silverman hosting the Indie Spirits the last two years? That was nasty and hillarious!
tina fey would have been great
“Meanwhile, Mary McNamara has a wandering Envelope piece”
…it is not wandering, she stated this in the beginning of her piece: “The criticism is endless and insanely contradictory:” and went on with the endless and contradictory complaints about the Oscars, which are all true.
i think Justin Timberlake (gag, i can’t help it, even though i am recommending him) would have been a fine choice. His SNL skits are always hilarious, and he would certainly bring in the young demographic. He recently showed his hosting skills at some sports show (golf? ESPN? both), and he was pretty good.
If this fails it will be miserable. I pray for a successful show.
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