After Hugh Jackman being a surprisingly great Oscar host this year, and Neil Patrick Harris blowing me away as an Emmys host, it looked as if the years of boring and bloated awards shows were behind us.

But then it started to look grim for the 2010 Oscars.

First, Hugh Jackman politely declined to return as host this year.

Then, the rumored duo of Ben Stiller & Robert Downey Jr. dropped out, a shame, as I think they would’ve been a riot.

So who do they turn to?

Who has stepped up to save the day?!

Why, the two folks who are neck and neck for the record of most times hosting Saturday Night Live, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. (Martin currently leads with 15 hosting appearances to Baldwin’s 14.)

Honestly, I’m not sure if there is a better pairing in Hollywood right now to host the show.  Martin did a respectable job hosting on his own back in 2001 and 2003, and I think paired with Baldwin, they’ll make for a show worth watching.  And I think given their connection to her, we might just see Tina Fey pop up, if not write a few bits for them.

My worry though?  Given the size and scope of the event, and given Alec Baldwin’s very strong political leanings, he may turn the event into a bit of a soapbox, like far too many award winners have in the past.  Sure, I may agree with him in some regards, but the show isn’t about that…it’s about celebrating the arts.

Luckily, if the press release is any indication, with Martin saying he’s proud to co-host with his “arch-enemy” and Baldwin making fun of Steve’s banjo playing, this could be a fun show after all.

We’ll know for sure when the 82nd Oscars air on ABC on March 7, 2010.

Original Post: The Circuit: Awards and Festivals News - The Envelope.