Los Angeles – Jon Stewart is getting a do-over as Oscar host. America’s favorite faux newscaster, who drew mixed reviews for his first stint in 2006, has been picked for a return engagement in February, the film academy announced Wednesday.
“I’m thrilled to be asked to host the Academy Awards for the second time because, as they say, the third time’s a charm,” Stewart, 44, said Wednesday in a statement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
“He did a great job two years ago,” Oscar telecast producer Gil Cates told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “You need a host who is not afraid of the unexpected, who can stand out and really work a room and deal with a live show. Jon, of course, does that on his show every night.”
The 2008 Oscars will take place Feb. 24 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.
The choice has some in Hollywood scratching their heads: The award show’s ratings dropped 8 percent the last time Stewart hosted.
