Ricky Gervais: Oscar Host?

Earlier today Gold Derby reported the news that will divide Gervais fans everywhere – he IS open to hosting the Oscars. The three time Golden Globes host has admitted it would be an honor, but only if he could do it on his terms. He told the showbiz awards site:

“On the one hand I would be incredibly flattered and whatever you think of those sort of things, it would be a thrill and an honor to be asked, [but] on the other hand I doubt the job offer would come without some strings attached. The worst string being, handing in my credentials as a comedian in favor of a family entertainer. We have to be able to poke fun at society without favoring any part of it because we are beholden to someone. And it’s a fine line between feeling like you’ve sold your soul and feeling like you’re ruining someone’s party. it would be very temping though, I must admit.”

It is hard to imagine the Academy, who apparently have writer backstage live writing new jokes throughout the show, giving Gervais creative autonomy, and if Seth MacFarlane’s family friendly performance is anything to go by, accepting the job could be a foolish decision. However, television ratings have been slipping over the last decade so ABC may well lean on the Academy to allow for an edgier and potentially more controversial broadcast. After all, they pay millions of dollars for the rights, and they want value for money. So would Ricky Gervais be a good choice for the Oscars? Will he even be asked?