Oscars 2014 – Who Should Host?

Seth MacFarlane says he won’t host the Oscars again – so who will step up and take on the gig that many call one of Hollywood’s hardest and most thankless jobs?

AccessHollywood.com has compiled a list of stars we’d love to see toss barbs at nominees while working to ensure the running time of the show doesn’t get out of hand.

Tina Fey & Amy Poehler: Tina Fey has said she will not host the Oscars – but we’re still holding out hope! The “SNL” alums proved at this year’s Golden Globes that they can infuse biting, smart jokes with ease while still being loved by the crowd at home and their fellow stars… Make it happen, Academy!

Kristen Wiig & Will Ferrell: If Amy and Tina won’t – what about fellow “SNL” alums Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell, who presented at the Golden Globes this year? Their Globes gimmick might have dragged a little, but they still had us laughing and with a little more room to shine, three hours with them could be pure comedy gold.

Jimmy Or Jimmy: If the Academy wants to continue with the late night host trend, why not get Kimmel or Fallon involved? Kimmel’s post-Oscar special is always amazingly hilarious and Fallon is a comic genius. Or have them co-host!

Justin Timberlake: JT would be a huge longshot and major get, but the singer/actor has already proved himself skilled at comedy from his numerous “SNL” appearances and he’s hosted the ESPYs in the past. Why not take it to the next award show level at movie’s biggest night?

Sandra Bullock: Others have mentioned America’s big screen darling as a possible Oscars host (which would be her first award hosting gig) and Access is onboard. We’d be shocked if this ever happened, but we’d love it if it did!

Ricky Gervais: The controversial and always funny British actor had Golden Globe attendees gasping and laughing during the two years he hosted – and he would be a needed injection of irreverence into the three-plus-hour show.

Emma Stone: Another Hollywood long shot, but the actress has been praised (and tossed around by other sites as a good host choice) for her comic timing at the 2013 Oscars nominations announcement and her memorable appearance at 2012’s show.

Hugh Jackman: The former Oscar and Tony host (and nominee this year) would be a stellar choice if a returning host is asked back.

Charlize Theron & Channing Tatum: This year’s unlikely Oscars dance duo (to be honest, they could just dance for three hours and we’d watch) has been suggested by others as a possible pair to host Hollywood’s biggest night – an idea that would surely please Oscars’ core demo of women and gay men, while bringing in some new straight male viewers.

Other Names We Wouldn’t Mind Seeing On Oscar Night: Neil Patrick Harris, Melissa McCarthy, and the much talked about pairing of Meryl Streep and Daniel Day-Lewis (beyond a long shot, but this pair is being blogged about as the ultimate dream hosts duo, something we’d love to see actually happen).

— Jesse Spero