Seth McFarlane to Host 85th Academy Awards

Seth MacFarlane, the creator of the popular animated TV series "Family Guy," will host the 85th Academy Awards in February, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday. The decision shows a continual effort by the Academy to attract a younger audience to its annual awards show.

"We are thrilled to have Seth MacFarlane host the Oscars," telecast producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said in a joint statement. "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."

The announcement comes off a busy summer for MacFarlane. His big-screen debut "Ted," which he produced, directed, and starred in, was a box office hit, bringing in over $420 million.  He also recently hosted the seaon premiere of "Saturday Night Live" in September.

"It's truly an overwhelming privilege to be asked to host the Oscars," MacFarlane said. "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."

Billy Crystal hosted this year's show after former host Eddie Murphy dropped out. James Franco and Anne Hathaway headlined last year's event.

The 85th annual Oscars are scheduled for Feb. 24th in Los Angeles.