Why isn't Shatner being invited to host the Oscars?

[Gaith]

According to the AV Club, no one else wants to do it.

Now, that article does cite Neil Patrick Harris as a possible choice, but while I know many geeks would love that, let's be honest: he's done two pretty small movies. He's Emmy hosting material, no question, but not Oscar material.

Besides, unlike NPH, Shatner is pushing 80, and won't be around forever. And when he passes, you know what we're all going to say? We'll say that we wished we'd spent more time with ol' Bill.

Shatner + Oscars. Let the movement start today!

 

[Lapis Exilis]

We'll say that we wished we'd spent more time with ol' Bill.

We might, because we don't actually have to sit down across from the man and talk to him, much less put on a show with him. Shatner is legendary in Hollywood and theater circles as a giant egomaniacal asshole. He's rude in general and often cruel to people for no reason other than his own intense narcisism. No one wants to work with that guy.

 

[Garak]

It's because he's white.

 

[Jonas Grumby]

He's probably too expensive. If I were him, I certainly would be!

 

[zakkrusz]

Maybe because they have time constraints?

 

[Gaith]

Update: they got Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. A safe if somewhat dull move.

Still prefer Shatner.

 

[Bad Bishop]

Update: they got Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. A safe if somewhat dull move.

Alec Baldwin? Hmm... I wonder if he'll have any anti-Republican jokes.

 

[Neroon]

Seems like a more general type of topic, so I'll put this in the Academy's mailbox in GTVM

 

[Turtletrekker]

Update: they got Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. A safe if somewhat dull move.

Alec Baldwin? Hmm... I wonder if he'll have any anti-Republican jokes.

I certainly hope so.

 

[Bad Bishop]

Update: they got Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. A safe if somewhat dull move.

Alec Baldwin? Hmm... I wonder if he'll have any anti-Republican jokes.

I certainly hope so.

I hope Baldwin will avoid fat jokes about Rush. It just wouldn't be appropriate.

 

[Cyke101]

Given that he's far more popular for his TV work and not for film, I think Shatner's much more appropriate for the Emmys (then again, that didn't stop Conan O'Brien or Jon Stewart from critically-acclaimed hosting duties, either).

 

[T'Girl]

You know, if Shatner hosts, that means Takei won't show.

 

[ALF]

I'm a huge Trek fan and I do love the Shat, but I don't need to see his face everywhere I go. With the rumors of him being in Trek XII, now I'm thinking I'm going to open up a can of my cat's food and see him staring at me, selling me priceline.

A can of Shat Food.

 

[auntiehill]

Hosting the Oscars is a very stressful job, one that requires a lot of time on your feet, a gracious attitude, a lot of cooperation and the ability to step aside and let the winners be in the spotlight.

I don't think The Shat could really do any of that.

 

[Bad Bishop]

You know, if Shatner hosts, that means Takei won't show.

Takei's gay and would be more at home on the Tony awards.

 

[The Borgified Corpse]

Given that he's far more popular for his TV work and not for film, I think Shatner's much more appropriate for the Emmys (then again, that didn't stop Conan O'Brien or Jon Stewart from critically-acclaimed hosting duties, either).

And wasn't Johnny Carson a frequent Oscar host for a while?

Hosting the Oscars is a very stressful job, one that requires a lot of time on your feet, a gracious attitude, a lot of cooperation and the ability to step aside and let the winners be in the spotlight.

I don't think The Shat could really do any of that.

Agreed. Moreover, I think Shatner's been senile for years now. I think they've been able to hide it because...

1.) He was always a little crazy.
2.) They've only been casting him as crazy people for the last 15 years.
3.) He's crazy in a fun, entertaining way.
4.) If he ever got too crazy, the Boston Legal people could edit around it.
5.) His daughter has been hanging around to at least remind him of where he is and what he's supposed to be doing.

Still, I think Shatner hosting the Oscars could be a lot of fun! I also want Roberto Benigni (sp?) to host the Oscars some day.

I say yay for Steve Martin but boo for Alec Baldwin. I find Baldwin to be insufferable. If they wanted an eccentric egomaniac to be Martin's co-host, Shatner would have been a much more authentic choice than Baldwin.

 

[Jonas Grumby]

You know, if Shatner hosts, that means Takei won't show.

Oh, a win/win situation! I love those!

 

[barnaclelapse]

Update: they got Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. A safe if somewhat dull move.

Still prefer Shatner.

That works for me.

I actually think Shatner would be a great Oscar host, and I also think he's smart enough to know what a big deal that is and to not blow it with his ego.

 

[Shazam!]

Shatner is legendary in Hollywood and theater circles as a giant egomaniacal asshole. He's rude in general and often cruel to people for no reason other than his own intense narcisism.

And that's why we love him.

 

[QuasarVM]

The Shat SHOULD be hosting the Oscars! He'd be a phenomenal host! I might even watch them if he did it...