So Seth MacFarlane will be hosting the Oscars next year, huh? I guess that’s pretty frigging’ sweet, right? Hold up, let’s back up here. In case you are not aware, yes, the creator of TV’s “Family Guy”, “American Dad” and “The Cleveland Show”, a show in which I can’t understand why is still on the air but that’s beside the point, will be hosting the 85th Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 24, 2013. This will be the 38 year-old entertainer’s first Oscar hosting gig but MacFarlane has hosted a variety of other ceremonies before. So no doubt, he’s knows what he’s doing. The question is, will the powers that be allow him to do what he does best and is he right for the job?
Yeah. Why not? Goddammit! Okay, let’s get serious here. In my honest opinion, I’ve always believed the host of the Oscars should be someone legendary. Some of the greatest hosts have been comedy legends such as Bob Hope, Steve Martin and of course the always sensational Billy Crystal. Of course it doesn’t always have to be a comedian hosting but it’s always better that way, let’s be honest. Throughout the years, the Oscars have tried to reinvent themselves. Their mission nowadays is to keep things hip and bring in younger audiences. That of course has backfired. Just ask Anne Hathaway and James Franco. The image of Franco dressed in drag still haunts my memory, eesh! Oh yeah, let’s not forget The King’s Speech, a film which caters to older audiences, won Best Picture that year over more youthful audience friendly films such as “Inception” and “The Social Network”. So I think it’s safe to say the Academy isn’t really in touch with what the youngsters want.
Which is why I’m somewhat concerned about MacFarlane being brought in as host. No doubt he’s hilarious and has proven to bring in big box office bucks with his highly successful R-rated comedy “Ted”, a film in which I’m one of the few schmucks to have not seen it yet (sadface), but the reason why he is funny and successful is because his brand of comedy is raunchy, vulgar and at times, gleefully offensive. My question is, how much is he going to get away with and who will be writing his material, if not him? It’s bad enough most older audiences who watch the Oscars on TV will be saying “who’s that?!”. So what great lengths will the Academy go through to make the show appealing to younger audiences as well as maintain the older audience’s interests. Truth is, I’d rather see the Oscars be traditional and old fashioned than act “cool”. Plus, I’m a sucker for the old fashioned.
Look, the truth is, I love Seth MacFarlane and I have full confidence he’ll bust his ass to bring us a good show. He pretty much explained that in a statement he released saying “My thoughts upon hearing the news were, one, I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards set forth by my predecessors; and two, I hope they don’t find out I hosted the Charlie Sheen Roast.”
Seth MacFarlane is an awesome cat. He is very intelligent, he has boyish good looks and has what it takes to be a true showman. Although I’d prefer to see a legendary actor or comedian host the Oscars, I am rather curious to see what MacFarlane does. Who knows? Maybe he is exactly what the Oscars needs. Either way, I wish him luck, I hope the show is entertaining and I hope some good damn movies are nominated this year. Hey, maybe we’ll even get a Stewie, Brian and Ted cameo out of the whole deal. Well, we’ll have to see what happens on Feb. 24, 2013. There. I’ve now said the date twice so it will stay with you. The Oscars will be held at the Dolby Thea.. ah, who cares? None of us are invited.
So who’s excited for this coming year’s Oscars and who’s concerned about MacFarlane’s schtick being compromised? Comment below and share your thoughts.
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