The ever-vigilant Nikki Finke is reporting that “Tropic Thunder” stars Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr. have opted out of hosting the Oscars in 2010. Stiller might have merited more praise as the director of last year’s satiric action-comedy than he did as one of its stars, but Downey’s role merited him a rare Oscar nod for a comedic performance. We still giggle at the thought of their snot-and-blood-filled first scene together, so this announcement isn’t exactly welcome.
After last week’s news that song-and-dance man Hugh Jackman won’t be returning to the gig, first-time show producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic may be in panic mode, but they shouldn’t resort to Billy Crystal just yet. For the sake of our Oscar parties and our livers, please: we cannot afford the alcohol required to endure this again.
Our suggestion? With Ricky Gervais grabbing the podium for the 2010 Golden Globes, duties should fall to emcee-of-the-moment Neil Patrick Harris. Shankman’s musical and dance background should work well with the “How I Met Your Mother” star’s theatrical talents, and he’s already got a tux, thanks to hosting both the Emmys and the Tonys. The problem is though he is already rumored to be in the running, he’s largely seen as a TV guy and not a film person and the Oscars generally don’t like to live in the shadows of other award shows even if they are something as different as the Tonys. So don’t bet on that one to happen. Recent suggesstions are Steve Martin and “30 Rock” star Tina Fey; the duo were a great highlight team of last year’s Oscars. It’s not a bad idea, but we’ll see if it happens.