Steve Martin & Alec Baldwin to Co-Host the Oscars

LOS ANGELES: Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin are set to co-host the 82nd Academy Awards, which will be presented March 7, 2010, with a live broadcast on ABC.

Martin hosted the 73rd and 75th editions of the awards show, and even earned an Emmy nomination for his first run. He has been a presenter on the show several times, including at the ceremony in February. Martin is currently touring with his bluegrass band, Steep Canyon Rangers, in support of his latest album. This will be Baldwin’s first time as host, but he has been nominated before, in 2003 for his supporting role in The Cooler. That year was also his most recent appearance as a presenter for the Academy Awards. Baldwin currently stars as Jack Donaghy on the comedy 30 Rock, a role that has earned him two Emmys.

“We think the team of Steve and Alec are the perfect pair of hosts for the Oscars,” said the producers of the Oscars’ telecast, Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman.

“I am happy to co-host the Oscars with my enemy, Alec Baldwin,” commented Martin.

“I don’t play the banjo, but I’m thrilled to be hosting the Oscars—it’s the opportunity of a lifetime,” added Baldwin.

The 82nd Academy Awards will be televised live on ABC, and will also receive live broadcasts in more than 200 countries around the world.