Family Guy fans rejoice. The talent behind one of television’s most profitable properties and this year’s break-out theatrical comedy Ted will be hosting the Academy Awards. Just two weeks after hosting an above average episode of Saturday Night Live, it was announced today that Seth MacFarlane would be taking the reins of the 85th Academy Awards.
This news is not exactly shocking by any means as the long-running sketch series has often been seen as a launching pad for prospective hosts. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin each headed the program and for a time last year, it was believed that former cast member Eddie Murphy would get the gig at center stage before a behind-the-scenes producer shift. Furthermore, MacFarlane’s often edgy, liberal appeal is exactly what the ceremony attracts thus why some believed that MacFarlane was an implicit frontrunner should he be up for the task.
Today’s verdict on the issue from ABC comes just a month after hubbub surrounding who might host the 85-year-old program. Apparently, the original plan was for Jimmy Fallon to land the job, but the network had a problem with that because he competes with their late night offering (Jimmy Kimmel Live.) Obviously, that did not happen; however, it will remain a case of ‘what could have been.’
Here is the official announcement from the broadcaster:
Seth MacFarlane will host “The 85th Annual Academy Awards®,” telecast producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. This will be MacFarlane’s first appearance on Oscar’s stage. “The 85th Annual Academy Awards” will be broadcast live on Oscar® SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013 on the ABC Television Network.
“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,” said 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.”
MacFarlane made his feature directorial debut this summer with the box office success “Ted.” He also co-wrote and produced the film, and voiced the title character. “Ted” has brought in over $420 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
MacFarlane is the creative force behind the television series “Family Guy” and co-creator of “American Dad!” and “The Cleveland Show.” In September he hosted “Saturday Night Live” for the first time, for the show’s 38th season premiere. An accomplished live performer, he has played to sold-out audiences at London’s Royal Albert Hall and New York’s Carnegie Hall. In 2011 MacFarlane released his debut album, “Music Is Better than Words,” which earned two Grammy® nominations. He also has earned 13 Emmy® nominations and won two for his work on “Family Guy.”
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2012 will be presented on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at the Dolby Theatre™ at Hollywood & Highland Center®. Don Mischer will direct the telecast for the third consecutive time. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.
Related:
Seth MacFarlane Talks Emmy Mic Snafu on ‘Leno’
Seth MacFarlane Sings His Way Through Voice-Filled ‘SNL’ Monologue