Seth MacFarlane has been announced as the host of the 2013 Academy Awards telecast.
The producers of this year’s ceremony, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, made the announcement just minutes ago.
“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,” said Zadan and Meron. “He will be the consummate host, and we are so happy to be working with him.”
MacFarlane has already achieved enormous success as the creator of some of the most popular animated TV shows, including ‘Family Guy’ and ‘American Dad.’ Before that, he also played a key part in the success of popular cartoons ‘Johnny Bravo,’ ‘I Am Weasel,’ and ‘Dexter’s Laboratory.’
From this enormous success on television, MacFarlane has recently set his sights on the silver screen, making his feature directorial debut this summer with the box office hit ‘Ted.’ This film, which he also co-wrote, produced, and voice-acted in, has taken in over $420 million to date, making it one of the highest grossing films of the year.
“It’s truly an overwhelming privilege to be asked to host the Oscars,” said MacFarlane. “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.”
Eddie Murphy was slated to host last year’s Academy Awards ceremony, however he stood down after his close friend and Oscar’s producer Brett Ratner resigned after using a gay slur during rehearsals. Billy Crystal stepped in to host this event in Murphy’s place.
The 85th annual Academy Awards for Outstanding Film Achievement will take place on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood.
Watch Seth MacFarlane reveal himself as the Oscars host below:
