Anne Hathaway, James Franco to host Oscars this year

Anne Hathaway and James Franco are slated to host the Oscar show this year, a slight departure from the usual funny men and strong performers wielding the mike.

Bruce Cohen, co-producer with Don Mischer of the show said to latimes.com, “It's a little younger in its approach. They are attractive and young. They can be playful at times, and it felt good to us as the direction we wanted to go with the show.

Last year the show was hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin and before that Hugh Jackman had a go . All are well known personalities with enough live and stage experience to carry them through. Anne Hathaway did perform a song and dance routine alongside Hugh Jackman .

The producers of the academy are very sure of the young actors. They both have performed on Saturday Night Live which is a good hunting ground for live and unexpected talent. The late night show has thrown up many surprises and reinforced hesitant actors.

Anne Hathaway has already been nominated last year for When Rachel Gets Married and she is a veteran at the movies with having nearly grown up in the industry. She started out with the Princess Diaries and has moved on into mainstream. Her role in Love and Other Drugs is up for contention again this year, although the movie has not done well at the box office.

James Franco is up for nominations this year with his role as Aron Ralston in Danny Boyl’s 127Hours. Till date Franco has had a somewhat eclectic career with small parts in Films and TV. He has a book of poetry to his credit.

The 83rd Academy awards are slated to be telecast on February 27.