Who Could Be the Oscars' Next Host?

Oh-so-controversial host Ricky Gervais shocked audiences at the 2010 and 2011 Golden Globes shows. There are rumors that Gervais will be back again for the 2012 show despite criticism over his bawdy comedy during past Globes ceremonies. On hosting the 84th Academy Awards, Gervais tweeted, "Can't believe all shouts for me to host Oscars. Really appreciate it but I don't think it's my kinda gig. Although that's the fun sometimes."



"I don't think my way is quite right for The Oscars," he told Gina Glickman Giordan, host of InTheMixx.

Awards Show Pedigree: Melissa McCarthy is comedy's new "It" girl. From her scene-stealing performance in Bridesmaids to her Emmy win for Mike & Molly, audiences can't get enough of this funny gal. While it may be a wild-card pick, Melissa McCarthy has the potential to kill as Oscar host. 

Awards Show Pedigree: While they make be dark-horse possibilities, Steve Carell and Will Ferrell have starred together in The Office, Anchorman and various other projects. Their wacky and zany sense of humor would be sure to have Oscar audiences laughing.

Awards Show Pedigree: Kristen Wiig gets audiences laughing every Saturday night with her zany characters on Saturday Night Live. With this year's sleeper hit Bridesmaids, Kristen Wiig has hit the top tier of comedy. Maybe the next notch on her comedy belt is the Oscars?

Awards Show Pedigree: While the comedy duo of Amy Poehler and Tina Fey have never hosted a major awards show, Poehler made audiences belly laugh on Saturday Night Live. Poehler starred on the sketch comedy show from 2001 to 2008, while Fey worked on the show from 1996 through 2006. In 2008, the women re-teamed to star in Baby Mama together. For a decade, audiences could not get enough of this lady-tastic duo!

Awards Show Pedigree: The Australian song-and-dance man had a rousing musical number when he hosted the 81st Academy Awards on Feb. 22, 2009. 

Awards Show Pedigree: Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Oscars in 2006. Could it be her time to shine again?

Awards Show Pedigree: The two-time Oscar winner hosted the Oscars in 1994, 1996, 1999 and 2002. Whoopi keeps audiences and guests on their toes every morning on The View.

Awards Show Pedigree: Last year, Neil Patrick Harris made a surprise appearance at the 82nd Academy Awards in order to deliver the opening musical number. NPH hosted the 63rd Tony Awards in 2009 and the 65th Tony Awards on June 12, 2011. The How I Met Your Mother star also hosted the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 20, 2009.

Awards Show Pedigree: Many think irreverent late-night host Conan O'Brien would make a smashing pick for Oscar host. Conan used his spontaneous comedy stylings to host the 58th Primetime Emmy Awards on Aug. 27, 2006 and  also in 2002. In 2003, the funny man co-hosted the show.

Awards Show Pedigree: The City Slickers star has hosted the Academy Awards eight times. Crystal hosted the Oscars in 1990–1993, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2004, and reportedly turned down hosting the 2006 ceremony to concentrate on his one-man show, 700 Sundays. His eight times as the M.C. is second only to comedian Bob Hope's 18. Billy is one of the Oscars' most beloved hosts. 

Awards Show Pedigree: Talk show host Jon Stewart was the host of the 78th Annual Academy Awards in 2006. During the awards show Stewart remarked, "As a performer, I'm truly honored to be hosting the show. Although, as an avid watcher of the Oscars, I can't help but be a little disappointed with the choice. It appears to be another sad attempt to smoke out Billy Crystal." Stewart also hosted the 80th Academy Awards on Feb. 24, 2008. Perhaps The Daily Show host would be willing to reprise his role?

In a shocking turn of events, Eddie Murphy has stepped down as the host of the Academy Awards in the wake of producer Brett Ratner’s resignation. A Beautiful Mind's Brian Grazer has signed on to produce the show alongside Don Mischer. Take a look at who may be up to bat next as the host of the 84th Academy Awards. Keep clicking back for all your up-to-the-minute Oscar news.