The Oscar hosts of recent years have been, to put it charitably, a mixed bag; while mums the world over have loved Billy Crystal and Ellen DeGeneres old, sing-for-their-supper showbiz styles, Seth McFarlane's performance seemed more like his own Oscar clip roll for the title character in an adaptation of Jackass. And there are probably still performance art majors discussing what James Franco was attempting to do, particularly as James Franco probably sets the curriculum, teaches the course, and attends the class.
The Golden Globes have fared better; Ricky Gervais had a well-received three year run, potentially because it could be argued that his more offensive gags were delivered as his iconic character David Brent. And for the past two years two powerhouses of TV comedy writing, performing and producing have stood behind the microphone. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler make you feel simultaneously in awe of their wonderfulness, and that you could quite possibly be their best friend and would feel entirely comfortable knocking back some wine in your eating pants together.
But the Oscars, the Oscars have struggled. Until now, when they have finally done what Hollywood does best and shamelessly stolen from another medium, and nabbed a four-time Tony host. Neil Patrick Harris, veteran of TV, Broadway, and Buzzfeed, has just been announced to host the 2015 Academy Awards. For those of you who have never watched the Tonys, you absolutely must; while often lacking the sheer weight of glitter of their cinematic counterpart, there is a cornucopia of talent on display. Plus the performances of Best Song and Score are always actually great catchy songs accompanied by excellent dancers, and not some weird Welsh Enya singing in Elvish behind a smokescreen of interpretive dance.
So let's look back on five of the highlights of the Tonys from the past few years, and imagine the glory that is to come.
Broadway's Not Just For Gays Anymore
"Attention every breeder, you're invited to the theatre..."
What If Life Were More Like Theatre?
We can dream...
We're Going Bigger
"At the end of the day we are gathered together to honor the best and the brightest. And tomorrow the fashion police will report on your dress and who wore it the tightest..."
Medley With Hugh Jackman
A collection of some show-stoppers from Broadway history, and in which he and Hugh Jackman sing the lines 'baby, if you're I'm bottom, you're the top', causing closet-watchers the world over to cream their pants.
Closing Rap
Let's just contemplate this; while the show was running, the writers were backstage finding out the winners and best moments and writing them in to rap, which NPH ducked out and LEARNED IN THE ADBREAKS. I repeat, THIS WAS UNREHEARSED.
Also, if his tribute to young kids learning theatre doesn't make you cry, you may be dead inside.
"This ain't reality TV, this is eight shows a week. Every chorus member that you saw tonight tapping, had to make miracles happen, just for the chance to see you clapping..."
