Billy Crystal? Whoopi Goldberg? Nope, this time around it’s Steve Martin.
The actor-comedian has been chosen to host the 75th Annual Academy Awards, making it the second time Martin has donned the tuxedo as master of ceremonies. He hosted his first Oscar telecast in 2001.
“I’m very pleased to be hosting the Oscars again, because fear and nausea always make me lose weight,” the 57-year-old Martin said in a statement issued by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Martin‘s understated style, with biting jabs at the Hollywood establishment, differs from Goldberg‘s flashy costume changes and Crystal‘s medleys.
“The 75th anniversary show is a meaningful one for the Academy, and it is wonderful to work with a host who’s done it before,” Oscar producer Gil Cates told Reuters. “A host who’s witty, clever, sharp, intelligent, quick on his feet and always on top of the unfolding action.”
The 2003 Oscars will air live Mar. 23 on ABC from the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
