Comedy Central’s newsman Jon Stewart will host the 80th Academy Awards when it airs next year. This will be the second time that the “Daily Show” star has hosted, his first time being two years previously. “Jon was a terrific host for the 78th Awards. He is smart, quick, funny, loves movies and is a great guy. What else could one ask for?” commented the show’s producer, Gilbert Cates, when the decision was announced. “I’m thrilled to be asked to host the Academy Awards for the second time because, as they say, the third time’s a charm,” quipped Stewart.

Last year’s Oscar telecast, emceed by Ellen DeGeneres, attracted 39.9 million viewers. By contrast Stewart’s broadcast the year before drew one million less. It will be interesting to see if the audience figures rise above last year’s show now that Stewart is more of a household name in America. The show will be broadcast on Sunday, February 24^, 2008.

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