Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have confirmed that Ellen DeGeneres will return to host the 2014 Oscars.
The talk show host received positive reviews when she held the gig for the first time in 2007 and was even nominated for an Emmy for her performance hosting the most prestigious ceremony in the industry.
In an official statement the Motion Picture Academy says,
“There are few stars today who have Ellen’s gift for comedy, with her great warmth and humanity. She is beloved everywhere.”
Ellen seems a safer choice than Seth MacFarlane, who hosted the show in 2012 to mixed reviews, with some saying that he totally flopped the occasion with poor taste and less than funny jokes which fell flat.
He heard a lot of criticism inside and outside the industry for not presenting the movie industry in its best light.
In recent years, hosting the Oscars has become more about the personality of the host than about highlighting the industry and the accomplishments of its members in a particular year.
MacFarlane’s choice was seen as an attempt to lure in younger viewers to the telecast, which has seen lower numbers over the last few years.
But it did not work as it was intended, since he was not well received and some luminaries did not appreciate the crude jokes directed at them during the ceremony.
In a statement released Friday, DeGeneres said, “I am so excited to be hosting the Oscars for the second time. You know what they say, the third time’s the charm.”
Ellen enjoys enormous popularity with her talk show and as the Motion Picture executives stated she is well liked all around. It remains to be seen what kind of humor she will bring to the telecast.
The Oscars are scheduled to be broadcast live on March 2, 2014 on ABC with host Ellen DeGeneres . What do you think of the choice?
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