Fallon was asked, and passed, on Oscar host gig

[August 09, 2012]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Jimmy Fallon says he was asked to host next year's Academy Awards but declined the gig.

The talk-show host told Matt Lauer Wednesday that "it's an honor to be asked by the academy, but it's not my year."

Fallon, who hosted the 2010 Primetime Emmys, made the remarks during a "Today" show broadcast from London.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did not respond to requests for comment. The organization recently elected a new president, Hawk Koch, whose responsibility it is to help select the Oscar telecast producer.

Traditionally, the producer then chooses the Oscar host. But the academy has not announced its choice for producer, yet Fallon's comments would suggest the process of selecting a host is already under way.

Meanwhile, last year's Oscar host, Billy Crystal, tells USA Today he would be open to returning for a 10th turn at leading the ceremony. "The door is open. It's up to them. I had a very good time this last time," he said.

The 85th Academy Awards will be presented Feb. 24, 2013.

[Associated Press]

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