Comedy legend Steve Martin has ruled out hosting the Oscars for a fourth time, citing the workload and lack of compensation as factors in his decision. The actor, who has previously hosted the prestigious award ceremony twice solo and once with Alec Baldwin, expressed his reluctance to commit to the extensive preparation required for the event.
Steve Martin, the acclaimed actor and comedian, has definitively declined an offer to host the Oscars for a fourth time, citing the excessive workload and lack of financial compensation as major deterrents. Martin, who has previously graced the Oscars stage as host twice solo and once alongside Alec Baldwin, candidly shared his reservations in an interview with the LA Times.
During the interview, Martin acknowledged that hosting the Oscars alone had always elicited feelings of anxiety, but partnering with Baldwin for the 2010 ceremony had significantly eased the pressure. However, the prospect of returning with his longtime friend and co-star Martin Short to helm the award show held no appeal for the actor.
Steve Martin Declines Oscars Hosting Offer, Citing Workload and Pay Issues
"That represents so much work for us. And we love our summers," Martin explained. "When I hosted before, I started working months ahead of time. And now I have a completely different life. I’m not as free. It’s a lot of work, and we’re working."
Martin's reference to "work" alluded to his current commitment to the hit television show "Only Murders in the Building," which stars himself, Short, and Selena Gomez. The actor emphasized that the demanding schedule associated with the show would make it challenging to dedicate the necessary time to Oscars hosting preparations.
Steve Martin Declines Oscars Hosting Offer, Citing Workload and Pay Issues
Martin further elaborated on his stance by clarifying that he had not been approached by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences regarding the hosting role. He also took a subtle jab at the Oscars' lack of financial incentives for its hosts.
"They don’t pay, either," Martin said. "The Golden Globes pay, so they get Tina Fey and Amy [Poehler]. And Ricky Gervais. The Oscars should pay. When you consider the amount of work, it’s at least several months of mental churning."
Steve Martin Declines Oscars Hosting Offer, Citing Workload and Pay Issues
Martin reminisced about a joke he had written for the Oscars but never utilized. "I have a joke for the Oscars that I never used. But I always think it’s funny," he began. "I’ll come out and say, ‘I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, Steve, how did you get to host the Oscars? It was easy. I just called my agent and I said, Get me something thankless.’"
In the same interview, Martin also addressed rumors that he was being considered to portray Kamala Harris' running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, on "Saturday Night Live." The actor revealed that "SNL" producer Lorne Michaels had indeed reached out to him, but he had declined the offer.
Martin explained that his lack of experience as an impressionist and the ongoing commitment required for the role were key factors in his decision. "I wanted to say no and, by the way, he wanted me to say no," Martin said about his conversation with Michaels. "I said, ‘Lorne, I’m not an impressionist. You need someone who can really nail the guy.’ I was picked because I have gray hair and glasses."
Martin acknowledged that "SNL" would ultimately find a talented impressionist to portray Walz, but he admitted that the task was not one he was prepared to undertake. "It’s ongoing. It’s not like you do it once and get applause and never do it again," Martin said. "Again, they need a real impressionist to do that. They’re going to find somebody really, really good. I’d be struggling."
