Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin were announced Tuesday as the hosts of the 82nd Academy Awards in 2010.
"The duo are also a very safe choice in a year where there is much uncertainty in how the ten nominee system will work out as well as whether mainstream hits will finally get recognized,” Greg Ellwood of Hit Fix told the LA Times. “The Academy obviously didn't want to rock the boat too much, but don't think they didn't approach the Will Smith's and the Robert Downey, Jr.'s of the world to host the show. Most importantly, a veteran like Martin also should make it easier on first time producers Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman who have never tackled anything in their careers like this before."
"Younger hosts tend to draw lower ratings, while older ones bring in strong numbers. This is hardly surprising when you consider that the median age of the Oscar viewer last year was nearly 50,” Steven Zeitchik of the Hollywood Reported said. “When it comes to using a host to bring in viewers, the conventional wisdom may be to go younger to expand viewership. But the numbers show that younger viewers won’t come running even if you go younger with a host -- all it does, instead, is alienate some older viewers. "
Tina Fey remains on the wish list of several commentators, but most are pleased with her "30 Rock" co-star Baldwin as a substitute. Many showed enthusiasm over Martin making a third appearance as host.
The award show is planned for March 7th, 2010.
“I'm almost excited. They're both wordsmiths -- the pithy, erudite, dry-witted Martin vs. the pugnacious, slightly testy, vaguely-angry-all-the-time Baldwin,” Jeff Wells of Hollywood Elsewhere told the LA Times.
WHen I originally heard they were hosting together I was a little surprised. However, I think it will be entertaining. I like Steve Martin and I like Alec Baldwin. Should be interesting.
It can't be a coincidence that they are also starring in the same movie together. This almost appears to be a way to get free publicity for their upcoming comedy.
