Seth MacFarlane to Host 85th Academy Awards!

Seth McFarlane has been tapped to host the 85th Academy Awards, telecast producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron announced today. This will be MacFarlane's first appearance on Oscar's stage. The 85th Academy Awards will be held on Oscar Sunday, Feb 24 on the ABC television network, and will air live.

"We are thrilled to have Seth MacFarlane host the Oscars. His performing skills blend perfectly with our ideas for making the show entertaining and fresh," said Zadan and Meron. "He will be the consummate host and we are so happy to be working with him."

"It's truly an overwhelming privilege to be asked to host the Oscars," said MacFarlane. "My two thoughts upon hearing the news were, 1) I will do my utmost to live up to the high standards set forth by my predecessors and 2) I hope they don't find out I hosted the Charlie Sheen Roast."

"Seth is unbelievably talented," said Academy president Hawk Koch. "We couldn't be happier with the creative team we assembled…with Craig, Neil and now Seth, we're off to a great start!"

This summer's box office success "Ted" was MacFarlane's directorial debut, which he also wrote, produced and voiced the title character. The film, which has made over $420 million worldwide, is one of the highest grossing films of the year.

MacFarlane is the creative force behind the television series "Family Guy" and co-creator of "American Dad!" and "The Cleveland Show."

In September, for the first time, MacFarland hosted "Saturday Night Live" for its 38th season premiere. MacFarlane is also an accomplished live performer having played to sold out audiences at London's Royal Albert Hall and New York City's Carnegie Hall. In 2011 he released his debut album, "Music is Better Than Words," which earned two Grammy nominations. He also earned 13 Emmy nominations and won two for his work on "Family Guy."

Academy Awards for Outstanding Achievements of 2012 will be presented on Sunday, Feb 24, 2013, at the Dolby Theatre, at Hollywood and Highland Center. Don Mischer will again direct the telecast for the third consecutive year. The Oscar presentation will be televised live in 225 countries worldwide.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.