The Oscars appear to be doing a complete about-face in terms of its hosting choices. This year, Seth MacFarlane brought the naughty humor. Next year, it has been announced that Ellen DeGeneres will be taking over the duties of hosting and will likely bring the show away from tight rope walking the line of good taste.
The comedian and host of her own daytime talk show announced the news of her second gig hosting the Academy Awards via Twitter.
"It's official: I'm hosting the #Oscars! I'd like to thank @TheAcademy, my wife Portia and, oh dear, there goes the orchestra."
DeGeneres is expected to be a kinder, more self-deprecating comedian compared to the edge of Seth MacFarlane. While MacFarlane's hosting gig was responsible for the best ratings the Oscars have received in years, reviews were mixed about his performance as many didn't enjoy his raunchier comedic style when he hosted last February.
According to Entertainment Weekly, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences elected its new president on Tuesday, marketing executive Cheryl Boone Isaacs. Her first responsibility was to approve the ABC broadcast's new host. Clearly no time was wasted as DeGeneres' announcement indicates, although it's likely discussions have been ongoing for a while now.
DeGeneres hosted the 2007 Oscars that saw The Departed win for best picture. Ratings were very strong when she hosted, bringing in 39.9 million viewers. MacFarlane had the best success since DeGeneres with 40.3 million viewers. The hope is that she, coupled with producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, who worked with MacFarlane in 2013, the show will see another huge boost in ratings.
Tell us what you think. Are you excited to see Ellen DeGeneres host the Oscars again, or does she seem like too safe of a choice after MacFarlane rocked the boat last year? Comment below with your thoughts on the matter.
