Seth Macfarlane's Oscar Hosting Opportunity a 'Challenge'
Seth Macfarlane, comedic writer and creator of "Family Guy", will host the 2013 Oscars awards ceremony in Los Angeles, Academy Awards producers announced Monday.
"His performing skills blend perfectly with our ideas for making the show entertaining and fresh," Academy Awards producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said in a joint statement, as reported by MSN.
Meron added separately that Macfarlane, 38, is "the most unbelievable, consummate host choice we could think of."
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Along with stating that the invitation to host the Oscars was an "overwhelming privilege," Macfarlane told the Los Angeles Times that he sees his new opportunity as a challenge.
"It's a very specific ceremony with a very specific tone," MacFarlane told the LA Times.
"The challenge will be to keep it funny, keep it lively and stay true to what it is I do. But at the same time adapt to the tone of this event. It's a challenge but I'm looking forward to it," he added.
Critics contend that Macfarlane, known for his raunchy and irreverent humor, is an edgy choice by the Academy Awards producers.
As the LA Times points out, although the awards show has selected classic hosts such as late night talk show host Jimmy Falon and comedian Billy Crystal in the past, they have also attempted to tap into the younger demographic, using hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco in the 2011 Oscars ceremony.
Macfarlane represents another Oscar pull for the younger demographic, the LA Times contends.
Macfarlane has already created a YouTube video plugging his Oscar hosting bid in which he tells his father of this exciting opportunity to host the Oscars.
Macfarlane is the creator of "Family Guy," the co-creator of "American Dad!" and the creator of "The Cleveland Show." He also wrote and directed the live-action film "Ted" in 2012.
This is Macfarlane's first time hosting the Oscars, which will be presented on Feb. 24 at the Dolby Theater at Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles.
