Disappointing Hosts

The 83rd annual Academy Awards took place on Feb. 27th, 2011. With low ratings in the past few years the Academy decided to direct the show towards younger audiences. Since the show was made to be appealing toward young viewers the Academy decided to bring in a couple of young actors to host the awards.

The two who won this coveted spot were James Franco, who was also a nominee, and Anne Hathaway. Since the announcement there has been a lot of hype on whether or not this pairing would be able to deliver.

Well, sorry to say, but they were not. Instead of bringing a classy young feel, they brought a classless, over-worked show. James Franco was lifeless, some say he was trying to balance the overenthusisastic Anne, but he simply seemed like he did not want to be there. As a nominee, I believe James just wanted to sit back and enjoy the show, taking it all in. Instead he had to put on a happy face and dance around a stage.

On the other hand, Anne Hathaway tried way too hard to be a friendly host. Always smiling and laughing,  trying way too hard to entertain everyone in the audience.

But, it is not all their fault. This year has been one of the worst shows because of the material that was given. Although the beginning was funny and entertaining, it felt more like a Saturday Night Live skit, not the classy Academy Awards.

Also, in the middle of the show Anne Hathaway performed a number that just turned out to be awkward. Regarding Hugh Jackman, this song and performance just seemed forced and not a fun way to bring the audience back into attention.

Another way that the Academy tried to appeal to younger audiences by doing a “year of the musical” and creating songs out of movies that were clearly not musicals, such as "Toy Story 3," "The Social Network," and "Twilight Saga: Eclipse." Although this was clever, it just got pity laughs and was a failed attempt to entertain youth.

All in all, this was one of the worst Academy Awards in the past decade, which is a shame because it was awarding some of the best movies of the decade. 

By: Allie Sleeting