Yet the art of hosting requires more than grace under pressure. You also need a thick enough skin to withstand the comparisons to past hosts and the withering reviews earned by those who poke too much fun at Hollywood.
This year, presenter Sacha Baron Cohen has dropped out of the show over creative differences -- according to New York magazine, he was going to appear as a female Na'vi from "Avatar" who was carrying director James Cameron's baby. So don't expect Martin and Baldwin to push the envelope with their humor. The film industry wants a few gentle nudges on its most celebratory night, not a comedic kick in the pants.
And while the cohosts probably won't match Billy Crystal's beloved parody songs, they may top some of these shining, silly and sarcastic moments from the last 10 years of Oscar hosting.
• The song and dance triumph. Saying that he was going ahead with his production number despite budget cutbacks, Hugh Jackman wowed the audience in 2009 with a low-tech musical medley that boasted props like a lawn chair and homemade signs. "I stayed up all night in my garage," Jackman insisted. "I put together my own tribute to this year's films, because in Hollywood, you don't need money. You can build a dream out of nothing." Perhaps, if that nothing is sung by an Australian with the right looks, voice and charm.
• The classic humorous retort. When Michael Moore won an Oscar in 2003 for "Bowling for Columbine," he made an acceptance speech slamming President George W. Bush over the war in Iraq. To ease the tension afterward, Steve Martin said, "It was so sweet backstage. You should see it. The Teamsters are helping Michael Moore into the trunk of his limo." For one brief shining moment, both red and blue states could laugh together.
Source:freep.com/
