Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin to Co-Host 82nd Academy Awards

With the news breaking last week that Hugh Jackman would not be returning to host the Academy Awards the hosting position was vacant and the possibilities were endless. We are able to report today via LA Times that the Academy has tapped actors Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin as co-hosts for next years broadcast. Martin has hosted the annual show twice before, however this would be a first time gig for Baldwin. After the news broke Martin responded by saying: ” I am happy to co-host the Oscars with my enemy Alec Baldwin.”

The Academy has not used the multiple host format since the 1980′s. For years now the hosting duty has been the responsibility of one individual. Hosts have ranged from last years song and dance man Hugh Jackman to comedians Jon Stewart and Chris Rock to acting veterans like Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal. The Oscars have always been as entertaining as the host which leads the show. Choosing Martin and Baldwin is a smart choice to keep the laughs coming. They are both Saturday Night Live veterans and are a good match for the role of dual hosts.

The Academy is attempting to change the format of the Oscars with radical changes. Months ago we reported that the Best Picture race would now include ten nominees. That is double the amount of past nominees which opens the door for more films to join the race; which has been met with harsh criticism from film buffs.

Choosing to have two hosts is another attempt to put a new spin on an old formula. For years the Academy Awards have been dull and lifeless. I thought last year was great with Jackman taking the reigns as host but past years have struggled to find a find an audience.

What do you think about Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin as co-hosts for the Academy Awards? Leave your comments below.