Robert Downey Jr, Ben Stiller turned down Oscars co-host

The surprise announcement of co-hosts Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin for the Oscars next year hid the declined invitations of actors Robert Downey Jr and Ben Stiller, according to a report.

Academy Awards organisers Bill Mechanic and Adam Shankman were reported to have asked Downey Jr and Stiller, a pair of dark comedians, to share hosting duties for the 2010 bash, which rose in viewer popularity this year on the back of Hugh Jackman's hosting.

Jackman, too, indicated he did not want to go back for a second consecutive round as host. This year, he used old-fashioned showbiz routines and a business-like approach that viewers found fresh and enticing for the most part.

Jackman is instead preparing for his next cinema turn in the movie Real Steel. The Academy of Motion Picture, Arts and Sciences announced its co-hosts.

The 82nd Academy Awards will take place on March 7, 2010.

source: Splash News

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