BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- The Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is expected to invite Jon Steward, political
satirist and star of "The Daily Show," back as host of the 2008 Academy Awards
show scheduled for Feb. 24 on ABC.
An announcement is scheduled for Wednesday, according
to two people involved with the plan who spoke anonymously because they were not
authorized to talk to the news media.
A spokesman for the academy declined to comment. And
a publicist for Stewart declined to comment.
The show will be produced by Gil Cates, who was also
the producer when Stewart made his appearance in 2006.
The comedian mostly toned down his trademark
political humor for the broadcast, and scored some of biggest laughs with a riff
and montage on gay cowboys, keyed to a 2006 nominee for best picture, "Brokeback
Mountain."
The 2006 ceremony drew 38.9 million viewers
on Stewart's debut, less than the 39.9 million drawn by this year's
ceremony, whose host was Ellen DeGeneres, or the 42.1 million who watched Chris
Rock in 2005.
It was also far below the 55 million who tuned in
when the immensely popular "Titanic" swept the awards in 1998, and Billy Crystal
made one of his eight appearances as host.
As in recent years, next year's ceremony, the 80th,
will be held at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
(Agencies)
