James Franco & Anne Hathaway To Host 83rd Annual Academy Awards

[Brian Damage]

The Academy just made it official. Press release below. Oscar telecast producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer announced just now that "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.”

Analyzes Deadline awards columnist Pete Hammond: "Part of the reason the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences feels comfortable going with these two is that both James Franco and Anne Hathaway have both very successfully hosted Saturday Night Live. And they looked at that and felt these young actors could work in front of a live audience which is why in the past the Academy has gone to so many stand-up comedians. And, of course, the other factor is that they really 'young up' the Oscars this year. It's an interesting choice and certainly unexpected and bold."

http://www.deadline.com/hollywood/