When people were thinking about who might host the Oscars, one name that didn’t come up was Seth MacFarlane, but he’s the one who’s got the job. To be honest, now it’s been announced it seems a natural fit. He’s just had a big hit with Ted, can sing, act and has proved a smooth host for things such as SNL and one of this summer’s BBC Proms, as well as playing the likes of Carnegie Hall.
The producers of the show, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, announced the news today. It will be MacFarlane’s first appearance on Oscar’s stage when the 85th Academy Awards are broadcast live on Sunday, February 24th, 2013.
“We are thrilled to have Seth MacFarlane host the Oscars. His performing skills blend perfectly with our ideas for making the show entertaining and fresh,” said Zadan and Meron. “He will be the consummate host, and we are so happy to be working with him.”
“It’s truly an overwhelming privilege to be asked to host the Oscars,” added MacFarlane. “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 is unbelievably talented,” said Academy President Hawk Koch. “We couldn’t be happier with the creative team we’ve assembled. With Craig, Neil, and now Seth, we’re off to a great start.”
As well as being the co-writer and director of Ted, MacFarlane is of course creative force behind the television series Family Guy and co-creator of American Dad! and The Cleveland Show. In 2011 he released his debut album, ‘Music Is Better Than Words’, which earned two Grammy nominations.