Oscars 2019: Seth MacFarlane on the current hosting situation
So where does the Academy go from here? There are a number of possible candidates who would be more than exceptional, whether you look at an established name like a Jon Stewart or a new host like a Tiffany Haddish or a Wanda Sykes. There are a lot of different directions that they could go, but we also understand why there are reservations that at least some performers could have with the gig.
One person who at least has some insight on the gig is former host Seth MacFarlane, whose Oscars show was met with mixed reviews back when it first happened. (We can think of at least one segment, even if it was “meta-comedy,” that would’ve never made it on the air in 2019.) Speaking via Entertainment Weekly, he explained that part of the problem that may come with the Oscars at this point is recognizing that there are a lot of people who are going to hate you for what you do — really regardless of what it is:
“Look, it’s a gig that has all eyes on it … And when you’re doing something that’s that much in the spotlight, with that much focus on it, that much intensity, you’re going to have a lot of opinions from a lot of people. I’m trying to think of the last time that I read a review of the Oscars the next day where everyone is raving about it—it’s been a long time.”
MacFarlane did note that the Oscars is a “fun” gig, and while we do hear a lot of conversation out there about how “nobody wants to host the Oscars,” we do tend to routinely think that a lot of this is fairly-overblown. While there may not be a lot of critical upside to it, it is a chance to try and prove yourself in front of millions of people and celebrate the best movies of the year. We do think that there are a number of performers who would jump at the opportunity if asked … we just have to wait and see whether or not the Academy will actually put in that request. That’s the thing that, at least for the time being, remains somewhat of a mystery.
We don’t think the Academy will wait too long before naming a successor — personally, we’d be shocked if one isn’t named by the end of next week.
At the moment, who do you think should host the 2019 Oscars? Be sure to share some of your thoughts on that subject below, and stay tuned for more insight. (Photo: Oscars.)