Comedian Stewart asked to host Oscars

Comedian Jon Stewart has been asked to host this year’s Oscars, the Academy of Motions Pictures Arts and Sciences announced today.

Stewart, 43, will replace Chris Rock who hosted the 2005 Academy Awards. It will be Stewart’s first stint as the award show’s host.

Show producers said Stewart has many of the qualities that previous hosts such as David Letterman, Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal have.

“Jon is the epitome of a perfect host – smart, engaging, irreverent and funny,” producer Gil Cates said.

Stewart is the host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, which has earned seven Emmys and a George Foster Peabody Award. He also won the 2005 Thurber Prize for American Humour for his book, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Book): A Citizen’s Guide to Democracy Inaction.

Stewart also has appeared in several movies, including The Faculty, Death to Smoochy and Big Daddy.

Typical of the comedian’s self-depreciating humour, Stewart said he was pleased to be named the show’s host.

“As a performer, I’m truly honoured to be hosting the show,” Stewart said. “Although, as an avid watcher of the Oscars, I can’t help but be a little disappointed with the choice. It appears to be another sad attempt to smoke out Billy Crystal.”

Stewart follows a long line of stand-up comedians who have hosted the Oscars. Speculation swirled after Rock’s departure who would replace him.

Frequently-mentioned candidates included Goldberg, Steve Martin and late-night hosts Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien.

Rock drew younger viewers, but his barbs skewering stars like Jude Law, Tobey Maguire and others alienated some academy members.

Rock is producing and narrating Everybody Hates Chris, a television sitcom based on his life.

The 78th annual Academy Awards take place on March 5 in Hollywood.