Oscars 2022: Why Jim Carrey Would Be the Perfect Host
Comedy stars aren’t often recognized by awards in Hollywood. But they’re ironically often the first group to pop up when it’s time to find someone to host an awards show. To that end, Jim Carrey probably isn’t the first name many would associate with the Academy Awards. But the iconic comedy star would actually be the perfect host for Oscars 2022. And here’s why.
Jim Carrey has an infamous history with the Oscars
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is looking for an Oscar host for the first time since Jimmy Kimmel hosted in 2018. And if the academy wants to really get fans talking, they need to make a bold choice. Carrey wouldn’t only give the Oscars some much-needed star power. His sticky history with the awards show will give the actor plenty of material to work with.
As longtime Carrey fans might remember, the actor famously vied for awards attention in the late 1990s. His roles in The Truman Show and Man on the Moon — both of which earned him Golden Globes — each failed to get Carrey the Oscar attention many felt he deserved. Although the actor has seemingly made his peace with never winning an Oscar (or even getting a nomination), he could playfully wield that ax he has to grind as master of ceremonies.
The actor brings an unpredictability to awards shows
Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, Carrey was known for his unpredictability. Whether it was a talk show appearance or serving as presenter at an awards show, the Ace Ventura: Pet Detective star often threw caution to the wind with some wild stunt. Take, for instance, that time when Carrey tried to kiss Will Smith during the 1997 MTV Movie Awards. While Carrey has mellowed out a bit over the years, the Oscars could use some spontaneity.
After all, Carrey’s background as a stand-up comic and In Living Color cast member proves he knows how to improvise and riff on the fly. No matter what happens on stage, he’d be ready to undercut any unnecessary self-seriousness with a well-timed quip or reaction shot. And since he completed a stint on Saturday Night Live as recently as 2020, Carrey’s knack for playing to a live crowd is sharper than it’s been in years.
‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ put Jim Carrey back on top
Years ago, Carrey was easily one of the most bankable movie stars in the world. But over the years, his box office appeal has ebbed and flowed. Until recently, the actor hadn’t headlined a massive hit or gained awards buzz since the early 2000s. Instead, he’s stepped away from the mainstream to take on riskier roles such as I Love You Phillip Morris and Showtime’s Kidding.
But thanks to the 2020 release of Sonic the Hedgehog, Carrey is back in the spotlight in a big way. His over-the-top performance as the villainous Dr. Robotnik won over both younger fans and their parents, who noted glimmers of Carrey’s 1990s heyday. With nostalgia running high for Carrey’s comedic stylings — and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on target for an April 2022 release date — now’s the perfect time to get the actor the gig as Oscar host.
