James Franco Was Going To Do Cher!

In any case, working on the Oscars seems like a thankless task.

He's not in charge. He's part of the team. He also told me that when there are TV-stars hosts like Jon Stewart or Ellen, they bring a whole team of writers of their own.

From his comments about the Oscar show, it sounds like he had little or no control over the proceedings. Or is he just trying to spread the blame. They shouldn't have 'negotiated' with James Franco - they should have told him exactly what he would be doing, at least until he proved he could host successfully. Same for Anne Hathaway. But I agree - in the future they should stick with people who have a background in standup - actors don't have the comedic ability.

LCD Soundsystem did a song last year in which the lead signer said "Eat it, Michael Musto. You're no Bruce Vilanch." I wrote about it at the time. It was all in fun.

LOVE LOVE LOVE him! He makes people laugh and learn at the same time. I don't understand the bit about the lyrics you and he are mentioned in. (??) But I agree about Billy Crystal. I'd watch just to see him do the opening film montage where he puts himself in all the nominated flicks. He's hysterical, and never puts a foot wrong. Anyway, after this year, there's nowhere to go but up. This was the worst Oscars since Rob Lowe and Snow White.