Wanted: Host for 82nd Academy Awards, Stiller & Downey Jr. a No-Go

Not even a week after being turned down by Hugh Jackman to host the 82nd Annual Academy Awards on March 7, 2010, reports are circulating that the Academy's second choice, the hosting duo of Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr., have also graciously refused the offer.

New Oscar's producers Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman reached out to the pair in an effort to attract younger viewers to the broadcast and fight against young perception that the Oscar ceremony is "stuffy."

Says Mechanic of his and Shankman's intentions with the telecast: "Together we will build upon the best traditions from the great shows of the past while helping pave the way to the future."

Echoes Shankman, "The last time I was on the show was as a dancer, and to come back as a producer is such an unbelievable honor...I look forward to collaborating with Bill to celebrate the world's collective love of movies and provide a fun escape from the difficult times we're living in. Simply put, there is no show like the Oscars and I am thrilled to be a part of our industry's most treasured tradition."

Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr., two of the most internationally celebrated stars across generations with films like "Meet the Parents" and Zoolander (Stiller) and Ironman (Downey Jr.) certainly would have been a pair to achieve these aims.  

No announcements as to new hosting pursuits have been made.

Mechanic is the chairman and CEO of Pandemonium Films and the former chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment. While at Fox, the studio released titles including "True Lies" (1994), "Braveheart" (1995), "Titanic" (1997), "The Full Monty" (1997), "There's Something About Mary" (1998), "Boys Don't Cry" (1999) and "Cast Away" (2000), among many others. Prior to Fox, he served in executive positions at the Walt Disney Company and Paramount. Mechanic's producer credits include this year's animated feature "Coraline" and the thriller "Dark Water" (2005).

Shankman's directorial credits include "Bedtime Stories" (2008), "Hairspray" (2007), "A Walk to Remember" (2002) and "The Wedding Planner" (2001). His upcoming projects include "Rock of Ages," "Sinbad," "Bob: The Musical" and "Bye Bye Birdie." In addition to directing, Shankman, along with his sister, Jennifer Gibgot, produce films through their shingle, Offspring Entertainment. Together they are currently producing "The Last Song," "Going the Distance" and "Step Up 3D," all set for 2010 release.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world's preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.

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