# Who would be a good Academy Awards host? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 2, 2005, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530 "2005-03-02T01:42:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![RancidYakButterTeaParty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/53a042/32.png) [@RancidYakButterTeaParty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RancidYakButterTeaParty)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/41 "2005-03-02T16:56:51Z")
> [@brickbacon](#): > > I didn’t say that because it was rare, just that that trait would make him a bad host. Why would it? You don’t think he has the capability of hosting an awards show without bringing his politics into it? As Astorian has already mentioned, we all have suggestions for who we think would make a good host, that doesn’t make it true for anyone else. Personally I think Stein would be a nice change of pace because he will definitely not be over the top like Goldberg and Crystal. ---
**Author:** ![CurlyD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ee7513/32.png) [@CurlyD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CurlyD)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/42 "2005-03-02T17:14:32Z")
I miss Johnny Carson. \ ---
**Author:** ![plnnr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@plnnr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plnnr)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/43 "2005-03-02T17:27:02Z")
IIRC, the host of the first ceremony was Douglas Fairbanks, and the whole thing lasted less than an hour. I’m all for the return to that format (except, of course, for the Douglas Fairbanks bit - his corpse would make a **horrible** host). ---
**Author:** ![h.sapiens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e0b2c6/32.png) [@h.sapiens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/h.sapiens)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/44 "2005-03-02T17:28:46Z")
There’s no way Jim Carrey would do it. He’s been snubbed for a nomination at least three times now, and I wouldn’t blame him for being pissed about it. Personally, I find his routine to be almost as annoying as Robin Williams’. Chicago TV critic Phil Rosenthal has suggested that Oprah might be on the list for next year. ---
**Author:** ![Indygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@Indygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indygrrl)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/45 "2005-03-02T17:36:03Z")
> [@h.sapiens](#): > > There’s no way Jim Carrey would do it. He’s been snubbed for a nomination at least three times now, and I wouldn’t blame him for being pissed about it. When? Do you really think his performance in Eternal Sunshine equals that of Clint Eastwood or Jamie Foxx? I was shocked that Kate Winslet was nominated. I don’t think anyone deserved an award for that, except Kaufman. Other than that, I can’t think of any other Oscar-worthy Carrey performances. ---
**Author:** ![h.sapiens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e0b2c6/32.png) [@h.sapiens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/h.sapiens)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/46 "2005-03-02T17:47:34Z")
> [@Indygrrl](#): > > When? Do you really think his performance in Eternal Sunshine equals that of Clint Eastwood or Jamie Foxx? I was shocked that Kate Winslet was nominated. I don’t think anyone deserved an award for that, except Kaufman. > > Other than that, I can’t think of any other Oscar-worthy Carrey performances. I’m not saying _I_ thought Carrey deserved a nomination, but his name was heavily mentioned for “Truman Show”, “Man on the Moon”, and “Eternal Sunshine”. People were especially surprised he wasn’t nominated for “Truman Show”. ---
**Author:** ![Indygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@Indygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indygrrl)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/47 "2005-03-02T18:08:00Z")
I’ll give you Man on the Moon. I forgot about that one. The Truman Show was complete and utter tripe. ---
**Author:** ![Rufus\_Xavier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/eada6e/32.png) [@Rufus\_Xavier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rufus_Xavier)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/48 "2005-03-02T18:15:27Z")
Bob Hope hosted the show for years with a running gimmick about not being nominated. I think Jim Carrey would be an OK choice, but really, in my opinion, the host should be a person with an easy, graceful wit like Bob Hope or Johnny Carson. There are very few popular performers in the entertainment industry today who can measure up to those guys. I think Phil Hartman would have been great. Too bad. Bill Murray is an excellent choice. Tim Allen probably wouldn’t be too bad. John Goodman might be pretty cool. Michael Keaton, maybe? ---
**Author:** ![middleman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9a140/32.png) [@middleman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/middleman)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/49 "2005-03-02T19:04:42Z")
I am surprised Leno has not been asked. He seems rather popular with celebs. Can perform a decent monologue and has the ability to MC. I guess the show never being on NBC is a deal breaker. Seinfeld would be excellent. He could give a dry monologue that would zing but not terribly offend. After that, I’ll bet he could throw a few improvs in there and move things along. Conan O’Brien (who probably is constrained by NBC) would be the best. When he hosted the Emmys, I think he was as good of a host as I have ever seen. ---
**Author:** ![brickbacon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/50 "2005-03-02T19:13:03Z")
> [@RancidYakButterTeaParty](#): > > Why would it? You don’t think he has the capability of hosting an awards show without bringing his politics into it? > > As Astorian has already mentioned, we all have suggestions for who we think would make a good host, that doesn’t make it true for anyone else. > > Personally I think Stein would be a nice change of pace because he will definitely not be over the top like Goldberg and Crystal. Did you read the first part where I said he’s not funny? Ben Stein never has been funny aside from acting as a foil for a **real** comedian. No, I’m sure he wouldn’t bring his politics into it, but that fact that he has been very political on TV would alienate many people. That’s why I didn’t suggect somebody like Al Franken. _He_ is actually very funny, but his politics turn many people off, and would be a distraction. ---
**Author:** ![waits](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/df788c/32.png) [@waits](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/waits)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/51 "2005-03-02T19:32:32Z")
_Adapted from a very old joke._ The producer and director of the 2006 Academy Awards are having lunch together. Producer: So, who should we get to host the show this year? Director: I think we should get **Tom Hanks**. He’s a great actor, he’s funny and can think on his feet, women love him, men like him, nobody’s ever said a bad word about him. He’s my choice. Producer: I think he stinks. Director: You know, I’ve heard that too. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2005, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/52 "2005-03-02T22:58:11Z")
First, it should be someone who actually likes movies and the idea of an award show Second, it should be someone who recognizes that the whole shebang is pompous and overblown Third, the ability to throw a few seemingly-ad lib quips around \*\*Tom Hanks Ellen DeGeneres John Cleese Bette Midler\*\* ---
**Author:** ![Zahava424](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/76d3ee/32.png) [@Zahava424](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zahava424)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2005, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/53 "2005-03-03T00:17:28Z")
Did someone up there actually suggest Gary Shandling? I personally don’t think Leno is that funny. Eric Idle could be good. I love the Daily Show, but I think John Stewaqrt wouldn’t be at his best surrended by so much self-congratulatory pomposity. What about Dana Carvey? ---
**Author:** ![Zahava424](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/76d3ee/32.png) [@Zahava424](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zahava424)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2005, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/54 "2005-03-03T00:18:55Z")
Did someone up there actually suggest Gary Shandling? I personally don’t think Leno is that funny. Eric Idle could be good. I love the Daily Show, but I think John Stewart wouldn’t be at his best surrended by so much self-congratulatory pomposity. What about Dana Carvey? ---
**Author:** ![Zahava424](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/76d3ee/32.png) [@Zahava424](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zahava424)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2005, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/55 "2005-03-03T00:20:32Z")
Sorry about the accidental double post. ---
**Author:** ![joazito](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@joazito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joazito)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2005, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/56 "2005-03-03T00:27:17Z")
Common guys. You’re missing the perfect candidate: Robin Williams. (I didn’t see him at these oscars, I heard he sucked but one bad performance doesn’t a career brake). ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2005, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/57 "2005-03-03T00:35:52Z")
> [@joazito](#): > > Common guys. You’re missing the perfect candidate: Robin Williams. (I didn’t see him at these oscars, I heard he sucked but one bad performance doesn’t a career brake). He’d probably go on for three hours by himself, before getting around to any awards. I don’t think I could stand that many dick jokes. ---
**Author:** ![Governor\_Quinn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/d26b3c/32.png) [@Governor\_Quinn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Governor_Quinn)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2005, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/58 "2005-03-03T00:42:20Z")
> [@joazito](#): > > Common guys. You’re missing the perfect candidate: Robin Williams. (I didn’t see him at these oscars, I heard he sucked but one bad performance doesn’t a career brake). One might not, but seemingly every time I’ve seen him ANYWHERE in the last couple of years certainly does. My notes for Oscar hosting: Keep Martin and Rock on the rotation, drop Goldberg and Crystal, add Conan O’Brien. Cleese, Leno, and Stewart all strike me as being possible disasters in the making. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2005, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/59 "2005-03-03T00:50:48Z")
Here’s another vote for Ellen. ---
**Author:** ![KarlGauss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karlgauss/32/3713_2.png) [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2005, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530/60 "2005-03-03T02:13:35Z")
> [@Zahava424](#): > > Did someone up there actually suggest Gary Shandling? You’re right. He’s too clever for a lot of people. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-be-a-good-academy-awards-host/292530.md?page=4)