You listening, Academy of Motion Arts and Sciences? Or, I don’t know, whoever it is that actually names the host(s) of The Oscars? We honestly don’t know why you haven’t thought of this sooner.
Sure, clearly good friends Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman like to rib at each other a little. Maybe their humor can be a bit “edgy” for the over seventies crowd (who comprise the voters – and possibly only remaining viewers? – of most award shows nowadays, it often seems). But, come on. You let Seth MacFarlane do an entire musical number called “We Saw Your Boobs.” Let’s not start clutching our pearls now.
Plus, Jackman is a popular awards show host, having hosted the Tony’s four times. Both actors are known to be charming and gracious – at least with other people. Their relationship with each other is publicly best described as “frienemies” – each trying at times to one-up or rib the other. Such as with Reynolds’ birthday message to Jackman. After calling a public “truce” to their “social media war” in 2019, they even agreed to make ads for each other. To rather predictable results.
So they’ve got great chemistry. They play off each other well in keeping things lighthearted and fun. People love watching them together. In fact, they just announced that Jackman would reprise his role as Wolverine in Deadpool 3, and fans are understandably excited.
So, come on, shadowy figures in charge of naming award show hosts. Put these two together on stage. It just make sense. And who knows? In a time when these shows seem to be increasingly struggling for ratings, it might get people watching. I know I would.