Anne Hathaway & James Franco Will Host 83rd Academy Awards

In an attempt to improve the ratings and draw in younger viewers, AMPAS President Tom Sherak has made an interesting choice for this year’s Oscar emcees. James Franco and Anne Hathaway will serve as co-hosts of the 83rd Academy Awards®, Oscar telecast producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer announced today. Both have previously appeared on the show. Plus both were pretty funny when they hosted SNL on NBC. Okay, it’s like comparing apples to oranges, but at least Hathaway and Franco have helmed a live show…right?

As Steve Pond of The Wrap points out if both hosts are nominated, as it seems likely:

No Oscar nominee has served as host since screenplay nominee Paul Hogan was one of three hosts at the 59th Academy Awards. Other host/nominees include Glenn Close and Jeff Bridges in 1985, Walter Matthau in 1976, Michael Caine in 1973, David Niven in 1959 and Academy president Frank Capra, who hosted in 1939 and also won the Best Director prize. All except Capra served as co-hosts of shows that had between three and 10 hosts

More on the choice in the AMPAS press release:

“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,” said Cohen and Mischer. “We are completely thrilled that James and Anne will be joining forces with our brilliant creative team to do just that.”

Franco, who currently can be seen in “127 Hours,” will be making his second appearance on an Oscar telecast. His other film credits include “Eat, Love, Pray,” “Date Night,” “Milk” and “Pineapple Express.” Franco is also known for his portrayals of Harry Osborn in the “Spider-Man” trilogy.

Hathaway will be making her fifth appearance on an Academy Awards telecast. She was recently seen in “Alice in Wonderland” and currently can be seen in “Love and Other Drugs.” Hathaway’s other film credits include “Bride Wars,” “Becoming Jane,” “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Princess Diaries.” She was nominated for an Oscar in 2008 for her lead performance in “Rachel Getting Married.”

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2010 will be presented on Sunday, February 27, 2011, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

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