Considered the Granddaddy of all Hollywood gigs, hosting the Oscars is by far the most coveted in the industry.
And next to host Hollywood’s biggest night of the year is Ellen DeGeneres, who accepted the offer in LA at the end of the week.
DeGeneres said: “When Laura Ziskin called, I was thrilled. There’s two things I’ve always wanted to do in my life: One is to host the Oscars. The second is to get a call from Laura Ziskin. You can imagine that day’s diary entry.”
Ellen, who proved her worth to the jaded Hollywood community while hosting the Emmys by receiving a standing ovation, has been the strongest contender alongside Steve Martin and Oscar veteran Billy Crystal (who ealier expressed disdain at hosting again).
The 48-year-old comedienne told Reuters:
“It’s the award show of awards shows – there’s a spontaneity to doing something live. It’s my version of jumping out of a plane. It’s dangerous and yet thrilling.”
After her acceptance (as the 2nd woman host since Whoopi Goldberg in 2002), on Thursday night, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences named DeGeneres the host for next February’s 79th annual Academy Awards.