I may have been in the minority, but I thought Neil Patrick Harris did a great job as host of the 87th Annual Oscars. I also thought his predecessors (respectively Ellen DeGeneres and even Seth MacFarlane) did as well. In an Entertainment Weekly story today, this year's producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin mentioned there would be two hosts for the 2016 Oscars. Naturally until the hosts are named I imagine everyone's father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate is going to weigh in on the possible golden tag team. Include me in the mix.
Since voters got killed last year by omitting minorities in all four major acting categories, and virtually shutting out the lauded Selma in most categories, I wouldn't be suprised if the host selection make up for that. Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, or a return trip from Chris Rock could be in the cards. Hart and Johnson, by the way, are filming a movie together right now so a pairing doesn't seem that nuts.
EW are likely on target with their suggestion that soon-to-be Comedy Central-free Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele could do it. Anyway, I'm going to guess anyway.
There's a pool of talent - minorities or not - who could make a vicious tandem. Here's personal choices, predictions (really you're predicting Oscar hosts, Jon?), and wild card picks. Let the search for Hollywood's newest dynamic duo begin.... Now!
Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis
My personal choice would go to these two guys. They were offered the gig before, would lighten up a usual long-winded show, and send ratings soaring. Imagine a live, unscripted Between Two Ferns'? I can.
Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake
Another dream team that scores on The Tonight Show and especially Saturday Night Live but methinks ABC will once again block Fallon from hosting since late-night competitor Jimmy Kimmel is on their network. One can hope though. David Letterman landed the gig even though he was on CBS but keep in mind ABC had Ted Koppel going up against him. That guy was hilarious.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
I'm going to nix this obvious choice right away. Their first two Golden Globe hosting gigs were classic. Their third? Not so much. Something tells me they're pretty much done with emceeing an often thankless gig.
Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock
This will never happen, but one can hope. Murphy was once slated to host, and I so wish he did. We so badly need Axel F. to be funny again. As for Rock, he was controversial when he hosted and nailed it. Sure, he threw Jude Law under the bus but is that really enough reason to keep him off the show?
Ellen DeGeneres and Seth MacFarlane
Let's see how the contrasting styles work together!
Louis CK or John Oliver and Anybody Else
It's time. With CK, ratings would be huge, the show would be intellectually funny, and the audience would get a little uneasy. It'd make for great TV. I could say the same for the brilliant and wicked Oliver.
Mix and Match time
The following is a list of my would-be contenders - feel free to comment below and mix and match them. Ditto for any of the above! Who's your perfect pair?
Bill Murray
Kevin Hart
Dwayne Johnson
Jon Hamm
Emma Stone
Conan O'Brien
Jon Stewart
Stephen Colbert
Amy Schumer
Seth Rogen
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Hannibal Burress
Quentin Tarantino
Aziz Ansari
Paul Rudd
Kanye West
Ricky Gervais
Keegan-Michael Key
Jordan Peele
Chris Pratt
Kristen Wiig
Jimmy Kimmel
Kevin Spacey
Alf... or any of these?
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman: Jon Chattman's entertainment series features celebrities and artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometime humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, Jon strives for a refreshing change. Artists featured on the series include Imagine Dragons, Melissa Etheridge, Air Supply, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, fun, Bleachers, Charli XCX, Marina and the Diamonds and Bastille.
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