Hathaway and Franco tapped for Oscar hosts

Posted Monday, November 29, 2010 at 11:55 AM Central
Last updated Monday, November 29, 2010 at 12:12 PM Central

by Tim Briscoe

Anne Hathaway performing with host Jackman at the 2009 Oscars.

Out with the old and in with the new. That seems to be the tactic being used by producers of the Academy Awards. Anne Hathaway and James Franco have been announced as hosts for next year's Oscars show.

Hathaway, 28, and Franco, 32, take over from last year's hosts Steve Martin, 65, and Alec Baldwin, 52. Here is what telecast producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer said of the selections:

"James Franco and Anne Hathaway personify the next generation of Hollywood icons -- fresh, exciting and multi-talented. We hope to create an Oscar broadcast that will both showcase their incredible talents and entertain the world on February 27. We are completely thrilled that James and Anne will be joining forces with our brilliant creative team to do just that."

Neither has hosted before but have appeared as part of Hollywood's biggest night. Hathaway had a memorable performance with host Hugh Jackman for 2009's show.

The perennial joke is about how long each Oscar telecast lasts. With Franco's involvement, let me be the first to say the 2011 event will probably take 127 Hours.