In a piece of news that’s as welcome as it is suprising, Family Guy creator and Ted director Seth MacFarlane has been named as the host of the 2013 Oscars.
Deadline broke the news today, before the Academy confirmed it.
The funnyman is currently best known for his TV work ( Family Guy , The Cleveland Show , American Dad! ), although the brilliant Ted marked him out as a film talent to watch.
It’s a brave move from the Academy, as MacFarlane’s brand of humour is a particularly filthy one (and he’s unafraid of skewering celebs).
Still, it’ll make the show essential viewing, considering the recent hosts (2012 - Billy Crystal, charming but safe; 2011 James Franco and Anne Hathaway, just odd) have failed to set the world alight.
And given MacFarlane’s propensity for a showtune, expect it to be a big night.
The 85th Academy Awards will take place on 24 February 2014.
