The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed that Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane will host the 85th Academy Awards, to be broadcast live on “Oscar® Sunday”, or 24 February 2013 to the rest of the world. That will be the 25 February 2013 here in Australia. MacFarlane also released a video skit announcing the honour to his father.
Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said via a press release “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. 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,” MacFarlane adds. “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.”
This is a bold move for the Academy, typically choosing conservative hosts or at least those with some stage history at the Oscars. This will be MacFarlane’s first stage appearance at the Academy Awards, and he is best known for his edgy TV comedies Family Guy, American Dad, The Cleveland Show and his recent box office success Ted, about a very naughty teddy bear.
