On the surface the selection of both James Franco and Anne Hathaway seems like a mixed offering. Last year, the hosts were Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, two actors very familiar with film and comedy. Franco and Hathaway have shown to be adept with comedy, both in film and in front of live audiences, having hosted Saturday Night Live in the past.
Franco, who had flirted with a chance of getting a supporting actor nod for Milk has been getting serious buzz for his performance in 127 Hours. Hathaway was nominated two years ago for Rachel Getting Married. Both are inspired choices to host the Oscars. Some may even remember the song and dance musical number Hathaway did with then host Hugh Jackman at the Academy Awards in 2009.
In the official announcement about pairing the two young thesps, Oscar telecast producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer said “James Franco and Anne Hathaway personify the next generation of Hollywood icons— fresh, exciting and multi-talented. We hope to create an Oscar broadcast that will both showcase their incredible talents and entertain the world on February 27. We are completely thrilled that James and Anne will be joining forces with our brilliant creative team to do just that.”
