Birgerhar

So much for the thought that the Oscars would return to their tried-and-true stable of hosts after Chris Rock's edgy performance last year.

Instead, Academy Awards producer Gil Cates has gone for another Oscar newbie: "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart, who will take his first turn as emcee of Hollywood's biggest awards show on Sunday, March 5.

"My wife and I watch him every night," Cates says. "Jon is the epitome of a perfect host -- smart, engaging, irreverent and funny."

Stewart is not exactly a stranger to this kind of work; he hosted the Grammy Awards in 2001 and '02 and was one of the numerous comics who shepherded the Emmys in 2003. Both those shows tend to be a little more irreverent than the Oscars, however.

"As a performer, I'm truly honored to be hosting the show," says Stewart, before adding the requisite joke: "Although, as an avid watcher of the Oscars, I can't help but be a little disappointed with the choice. It appears to be another sad attempt to smoke out Billy Crystal."

Speculation had been that a veteran host like Crystal, Steve Martin or Whoopi Goldberg would take the reins of the telecast this year. The choice of Rock as host drew some criticism last year, but his performance on the show earned largely positive reviews.

The 78th annual Academy Awards will air on ABC Sunday, March 5. Nominations will be announced Tuesday, Jan. 31

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WOO HOO. A great host!!!!!

ILuvRockNRoll

I'm so glad he's hosting! My hero. All of the "veteran" hosts annoy me (except for Steve), so i'm glad they deicded to go with Jon.

Lenghthen

Awesome. Now the Oscars will be filled with annoying republican bashing. CAN'T WAIT!!!!11111

I wish the Oscars would just leave it at the movies and stop involving things like politics. There's no need for it. We're celebrating great cinema, not giving an award for best governor.

Birgerhar

Jon Stewart at least speaks a little less biased than other media democrats *cough*moore*cough*. He even invites Republicans to talk on his show. So yeah, and he bashes both sides. The Democrat bashing is hillarious.

FantaOrSprite

What you said. I never knew Jon was a democrat until last year because he made fun of both sides so thourghly...

I love Jon Stewart, I love his comedic timing. He can make me roll on the floor in tears laughing just by looking at the camera a certain way. I'm so happy they went with him, although I loved Chris Rock and his jokes last year.

Errick

Wasn't he the one who hosted the Grammy's the year that Mystikal had a hit with "Shake it Fast"...his comments were something like, "Shake it fast, BUT watch yourself. Always have to be safe when shaking it fast." Hilarious. <3 that awards show. He'll do great.

Jon Stewart is <3 when he's not too political.

Birgerhar

That joke is branded into my memory. Soo funny.