James Franco: 'If I Host The Worst Oscars Show Ever, Who Cares?'

James Franco knows that he was an unorthodox choice to host the Oscars -- and doesn't care much if he proves the doubters right.

Franco, who is co-hosting Hollywood's biggest night with Anne Hathaway, talked to Vanity Fair about the assignment. As he's said before, his reason for accepting the job was pretty simple: why not?

It also helps that he has absolutely no fear about the assignment. He knows he's not traditional host Billy Crystal or recent host Chris Rock, but beyond that, he doesn't much mind if he fails.

"You know what? If it's the worst Oscars show ever, who cares?" Franco mused. "It's fine, it's like one night. So, it doesn't matter. If I host the worst Oscars show in the history of the Oscars, why do I care? I'll try my best, but I don't see any shame."

Maybe he's just more about actually winning an Oscar -- he's nominated for Best Actor for his role in "127 Hours."

He also relates the Oscars to filming a movie and more. To see the whole thing, click over to Vanity Fair.

Comments

[chadwilson]

12:10 AM on 02/28/2011

Hooray! He got his wish!

[zona9]

06:15 PM on 02/14/2011

I really really wish someone would seriously reign Franco in-and get him to drop out as host. The Oscar show, even at it's best, is still god awful. It will pain to see Franco blow-and he will-because the show always does-the lame jokes, the lame bits, etc. ugh.

[JennieB]

06:30 PM on 02/10/2011

Which is why it probably won't be (the worst). Good luck James, you're pretty entertaining so I'm looking forward to the show.

[MyReality2011]

06:04 PM on 02/10/2011

go, Jimmy, go!

[missingjournalism]

05:54 PM on 02/10/2011

"If I host the worst Oscars show in the history of the Oscars, why do I care?" well at least he is setting the bar low enough for himself. I guess applause and an oscar for expectation management?

[pbnyc59]

04:56 PM on 02/10/2011

Franco could not do a bad job if he tried, and with Hathaway at his side it will be fantastic.

[InedaName]

04:01 PM on 02/10/2011

Franco is right. It's one night. Who cares? The Oscars ceremony is so uptight and self-important. I hope he is able to take the piss out of it. He's the golden boy of the moment so if anyone can do it, Franco can.

[kvolovesart]

03:39 PM on 02/10/2011

Love this actor...he is fearless and rewriting the rules in Hollywood...go James!

[MyReality2011]

06:07 PM on 02/10/2011

I think everyone that is a little bit out-of-the-ordinary instinctively roots for him.
Also, does anyone have high expectations for award shows anymore? So he'll be fine~

[brennaelise1111]

02:22 PM on 02/10/2011

i love him so much. i'm kind of obssesed with him, except i never see his movies. i think i'm more in nub with james franco the person rather than him as an actor.
god, i wish i had a chance with him!

[grange]

02:40 PM on 02/10/2011

well ok

but why not go and see 127 hours ? good movie

[MyReality2011]

06:09 PM on 02/10/2011

see the more recent movies

[Leviathan21]

02:06 PM on 02/10/2011

I think they should have Kathy Griffin host the next one. I am not a fan of her comedy, but I think someone like her who's not afraid to offend Hollywood bigwigs would actually be pretty entertaining to watch. But, Hollywood is pretty full of itself, so I don't see this happening.

[shantiquax]

01:54 PM on 02/10/2011

He should come out in a pirate costume and go "arrrgghhh" a lot. And smile. Love his smile. I hope he wins. Go Yanks! Damn those Limeys with their perfect American accents!

[zona9]

05:48 PM on 02/14/2011

Absolutely no such thing as a Limey with a perfect American accent. They all suck, it's just to what degree.

[bigmovieman]

01:34 PM on 02/10/2011

To date Billy Crystal is my favourite host, mainly for the movie mashups he does to open the show...

[kvolovesart]

03:39 PM on 02/10/2011

He was good...where is he these days?

[bigmovieman]

01:21 AM on 02/11/2011

Well, they're working on a Monster's Inc. 2 so we have that to look forward to (or not depending on your view of the first one).

[Sean Polly]

01:29 PM on 02/10/2011

Pippen, I am more worried about James Franco . James is not a live performer, plus he can't sing or dance.

Remember , Anne Hathaway received great reviews for her song- and -dance number with Hugh Jackman, when he hosted the Academy Awards. Plus , she received raves for Shakespeare in the Park's "Twelfth Night" and her wonderful work on SNL ( great impressions of Katie Holmes , Judy Garland from "Wizard of Oz", and Black Friday redneck customer,etc...). Anne has more experience in a live setting, sorry , but Franco doesn't come from this type of live performing background.

P.S. I wish Robert Downey Jr. & Anne Hathaway were hosting the Oscars, now that is a great combo of talent , humor, and charisma.

[Dana Nicole]

01:41 PM on 02/10/2011

Robert Downey Jr. is a naturally funny guy as well. James Franco is gorgeous, but so nonchalant that it may be off-putting.

[brennaelise1111]

02:24 PM on 02/10/2011

that'a actually not true about him not being able to sing. he's doing a live performance the night of the oscars and he's going to sing.
i know too much about this man's life...

[zona9]

05:50 PM on 02/14/2011

Just because he's singing doesn't mean he can sing. From what I've heard of him singing-just a bit mind you, but it wasn't good. And, I disagree with him about it not mattering. Ask Letterman if one disastrous Oscar hosting gig didn't matter. That followed and tainted him for years. Now, Franco is an actor not a comedian so it won't be as bad-but weeks of ridicule if James really blows-won't be helpful for his career.

[ardethbay]

01:27 PM on 02/10/2011

This will be the reason it does well. he won't sweat it and he will just be relaxed while he is up there.

[deltalady]

01:25 PM on 02/10/2011

Reading corny lines from the teleprompter...the Oscars never change. I channel surf, then watch the highlights to see who won and what the ladies were wearing. Very boring. Like watching the State of the Union.....blah, blah, blah.