Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin win Oscar Hosting duties

As Seen on the Web - Wednesday November 4, 2009

Martin and Baldwin to be first multiple hosts since 1986

Source: Slashfilm

Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin are set to share the hosting duties at the 82nd Academy Awards. While Martin is a seasoned host, having performed in 2000 and 2002, this will be Baldwin's first time at the Oscars, although he is not unaccustomed to the spotlight as he is a fan favourite host on Saturday Night Live.

Baldwin and Martin are a fitting duo as they will soon be appearing on the big screen together, alongside Meryl Streep, in the upcoming Nancy Meyer film, It's Complicated. The co-hosts have taken over the duties from Hugh Jackman, who pulled out of the running last week. Some fans had hoped that he would opt to try and repeat his charismatic performance from last year while others had hopes that this year's Emmy Host Neil Patrick Harris would get the high profile gig.

Although multiple hosts have been something of a rarity over the past two decades it was the trend during the 70's and 80's. The move seems to correlate with the shaking up of the Awards ceremony, following the decision to expand the Best Picture award to 10 nominees. It comes at a time when the Academy is struggling to maintain viewership, which hit an all time low in 2008 when No Country For Old Men won Best Picture. Many think that the pool of popular films worthy of the prize has shrunk to disastrously low levels. With the expansion of the number of nominees for best picture, it seems that there is potential for the Academy to cast a wider net, which could include more genre and independent pics.

And what does Martin have to say about the partnership? "I am happy to co-host the Oscars with my enemy Alec Baldwin."

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