It was announced today that Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy, is set to host the 85th Academy Awards. MacFarlane is hot off his Saturday Night Live hosting stint and his motion picture directorial debut Ted which garnered over $420 million worldwide.

Oscars producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron had this to say about the newly minted host. “We are thrilled to have Seth MacFarlane host the Oscars. His performing skills blend perfectly with our ideas for making the show entertaining and fresh. He will be the consummate host, and we are so happy to be working with him.”

MacFarlane responded to the news like this: “It’s truly an overwhelming privilege to be asked to host the Oscars. My thoughts upon hearing the news were, one, I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards set forth by my predecessors; and two, I hope they don’t find out I hosted the Charlie Sheen Roast.” And with a video featuring his dad, embedded after the break.

In addition to his many voices (Family Guy, American Dad, The Cleveland Show), MacFarlane has a Grammy-nominated big-band jazz album under his belt, Music Is Better Than Words, so you can expect the jack of many trades to follow in his predecessor’s footsteps with a musical number, amongst other gags.

The Oscars air live Sunday, February 24 on ABC. Continue reading Seth MacFarlane is hosting the Oscars →