Two Oscar hosts cause double the debate

In this debate review, Spectator film writers Molly Speacht and Paul Hsiao take on the addition of a second host to the Academy Awards.

Molly Speacht: After years of poor ratings and critical response, the producers of the 82nd Annual Academy Awards have implemented several changes to create a more viewer friendly telecast. Not only did they double the nominees for Best Picture, but they also doubled the hosts, bestowing “It’s Complicated” stars Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin with dual hosting duties.

One host gives the show a focus. In the past, the single Oscar host served as a commentator on the goings on of the show. Having two will be confusing and the audience will not know who to trust. The theory of “double the nominees for Best Picture necessitating double the hosts” does make sense, but both moves cheapen the Oscars. Looking at the Best Picture nominees, many of them, like the “The Blind Side,” don’t necessarily deserve to be up against such great cinematic works like “The Hurt Locker” or “Inglourious Basterds.” The Oscars should be about honoring great films, not about recognizing the most popular films, and same goes for the host.

Paul Hsaio: The problem is fewer and fewer people watch the Oscars, so the Academy needs to do something different. Putting two very popular comedians together to host is a good idea. Steve Martin has hosted before, and Alec Baldwin is hilarious in “30 Rock.” Plus, the show is just as much about the presenters as the hosts. Who can forget Adrien Brody’s kiss with Halle Berry? The pressure isn’t all on Baldwin and Martin. No matter what, there will be unforgettable moments because of their chemistry and standing with their peers. They are both getting older, and so perhaps unable to do as much as the Broadway-esque material Hugh Jackman did last year. However, their banter, not only with the television audience but also with the long list of celebrities, will make the show worthwhile.

Speacht: Hugh Jackman actually brought some great Broadway swagger to the show. That probably won’t be present this year. Hosting the Oscars is generally very similar to stand-up comedy and stand-up is much better when it’s one guy or girl telling jokes from his or her perspective. It’s evident that after watching “It’s Complicated,” Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin have a very good rapport. But why couldn’t they just have brought Steve Martin back? He may be getting old, but after watching his most recent film it’s obvious that his jokes are timeless. Plus, he was great when he hosted in 2001 and 2003.

Hsiao: They’ve proven to be a good team in “It’s Complicated,” and the break from the usual atmosphere to a more lighthearted one seems like a welcome change. The problem is the audience has changed with the times. YouTube, Facebook and Twitter have made everyone a bit more impatient and have made them want action every other minute. Baldwin and Martin are a great choice and no doubt Facebook status updates and tweets featuring their quotes are sure to abound Monday morning.