TV News: Seth MacFarlane to Host ‘85th Annual Academy Awards’

CHICAGO – Seth MacFarlane, the writer/director of “Ted” and creator of “Family Guy” & “American Dad,” was announced today as the unexpected choice to host the “85th Annual Academy Awards,” to be broadcast on Sunday, February 24, 2013 on ABC.

The producers of the Oscars said, “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 added, “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.”

Finally, Academy President Hawk Koch threw in his two cents via press release, “Seth is unbelievably talented. We couldn’t be happier with the creative team we’ve assembled. With Craig, Neil and now Seth, we’re off to a great start.”

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com