Cadenza | Film
Cadenza’s picks to host the Oscars
On Thursday, the producers of the 85th Academy Awards for this coming February were announced. Craig Zadan and Neil Meron got the nod to produce this year’s show following their work on movies including Chicago and Hairspray. With their background, we can expect a extravagant, music-filled production. So who would make a good host?
Tina Fey
With “30 Rock” coming to an end this television season, Tina Fey will soon have a lot more time on her hands. She could easily spend it hosting the Oscars. She’s insanely popular with critics, and her Sarah Palin impersonation brought “Saturday Night Live” back on the map. Maybe her good friend Betty White could come in for a little more appeal to the senior demographic. But the Oscars have a huge youth viewership problem, and Tina Fey is a hip and savvy solution.
Hugh Jackman
The 2009 host of the Oscars has the musical theater background to fit in well with these producers. To top it off, Jackman is starring in “Les Miserables,” which will likely be up for multiple awards, making him an obvious choice to emcee the ceremony. The only downside could be if he receives a Best Actor award and is too busy to host.
Queen Latifah
Latifah worked with producers Zadon and Meron on “Hairspray.” However, her hosting experience is limited to the BET and People’s Choice awards—she has never anchored any of the largest award ceremonies. She is rumored to be one of the frontrunners at the moment.
Neil Patrick Harris
Harris’ talents extend beyond his stunning good looks. The wildly popular actor is a seasoned veteran of the host circuit; he has helmed the Tonys three times and the Emmys once. His Broadway experience would be an asset for hosting the Oscars. He and Jackman performed together at the Tonys and could be paired together to co-host.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Joseph Gordon-Levitt will be coming off a huge year come Oscar season, so hosting the Awards would be a logical next step for his flourishing career. When he hosted “Saturday Night Live,” he performed “Make ‘Em Laugh” from “Singing in the Rain,” showcasing considerable musical talent. The Academy struggles to attract younger viewers, but Gordon-Levitt’s popularity would be a huge draw.