With the Academy Awards airing this Sunday one thing will be on everyones mind. No, not if Sandra Bullock will reveal another adopted child, or if “Brangelina” will make an appearance on the red carpet. No most of if not all talk will be about first time Oscar hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway will add up to the tradition of being an Oscar host.
When the Academy announced that Franco and Hathaway would be serving as hosts, a lot of people were surprised to see the Academy be so obvious with it’s plans to draw in younder audiences. Franco responded to the criticism in the following video at the Oscars luncheon:
Many actors, celebrtities, and comedians have played host and some nailed it out of the park while others were not so lucky. Here are a few hosts who received praise for their duty that Franco and Hathaway could take notes from:
Hollywood icon and funny man Bob Hope served as host a record 18 times!! Hope’s quick wit and charming personality helped the popularity of the Oscars rise during the 50′s and 60′s.
Comedian Billy Crystal served as host 8 times for the Oscars and was a favorite.
Actress Whoopi Goldberg played emcee to the Oscars four times and was the only woman to do so as well as the first woman to host without a panel. Definitely entertaining and colorful Goldberg was one of the most meomorable hosts. 
Comedy powerhouses Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin teamed up to co host the 2010 ceremony which brought in the highest viewers since the 2005 telecast. The 2010 Oscars brought in 41.3 million viewers.
Other famous hosts included David Letterman, Chris Rock, and Hugh Jackman.
The common thread all of these hosts have in common was their comedic background and while Franco and Hathaway are known more for their acting chops instead of tickiling funny bones, it is not impossible. A lot of actors have funny personalities that people don’t necessarily get to see so maybe there is a Johnny Carson and Tina Fey alter ego wrapped within Franco and Hathaway.
One thing is for sure though regardless is Franco and Hathaway performances as host fall flat at least Natalie Portman will receive her first Oscar for “Black Swan” and isn’t that what we will all be watching to see anyway?
