There's been plenty of criticism of Seth MacFarlane's hosting of the Oscars this year. I can't comment on the claims that it was sexist because I didn't see much of the show, particularly the now infamous "We Saw Your Boobs" song. But a lot of the criticism is just about him not being funny, and there I think people need a little perspective.
It all reminds me of when David Letterman hosted in 1995. I've never been a big fan of Letterman's humour, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. As I saw it, here's what happened:
MacFarlane follows much the same pattern of host-gets-criticised-for-doing-what-got-him-the-hosting-job. It all underlines the problem that even the organizers of the Oscar show don't seem to get: being considered funny by everyone in modern society is really difficult, and getting near impossible. In the 500 channel universe, there really aren't any Bob Hope-like pan-cultural comedy touchstones anymore.
A few people pointed to Tina Fey as a possible host. I think she's one of the few people who might actually be able to pull it off. Unfortunately she has flatly refused. And I can understand that, given people's high expectations. So the job of Oscar Host could become like the job of Republican Presidential Candidate: anyone with the skills to be good at it will also have the skills to realise it's a thanklessly impossible job.
It all reminds me of when David Letterman hosted in 1995. I've never been a big fan of Letterman's humour, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. As I saw it, here's what happened:
- Letterman host a talk show. He and the show are widely praised.
- His humourous reputation gets him a gig hosting the Oscars.
- He hosts the show, doing exadtly the same kind of jokes he does on his talkshow.
- His hosting of the Oscars is considered an embarrassing failure.
MacFarlane follows much the same pattern of host-gets-criticised-for-doing-what-got-him-the-hosting-job. It all underlines the problem that even the organizers of the Oscar show don't seem to get: being considered funny by everyone in modern society is really difficult, and getting near impossible. In the 500 channel universe, there really aren't any Bob Hope-like pan-cultural comedy touchstones anymore.
A few people pointed to Tina Fey as a possible host. I think she's one of the few people who might actually be able to pull it off. Unfortunately she has flatly refused. And I can understand that, given people's high expectations. So the job of Oscar Host could become like the job of Republican Presidential Candidate: anyone with the skills to be good at it will also have the skills to realise it's a thanklessly impossible job.
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