Who has hosted the Academy Awards?

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Who has hosted the Academy Awards?

A view of past Academy Awards hosts from the last 20 years, and some other notables.

In 2011, actors James Franco and Anne Hathaway joined a small club of men and women who have hosted the Academy Awards ceremony since its inception in 1929. Here's a look at past hosts of the last two decades.

Actor Billy Crystal is one of three men to have hosted the Academy Awards five or more times. In his appearances as master of ceremonies - 1990-'93, '97, '98, 2000 and 2004 - his opening monologue, in which he inserted himself in parodies of the night's biggest nominees, were often the most memorable parts of the show.

Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg has been the master of ceremonies for four Oscars shows - 1994, '96, '99 and 2002 - during which she famously wore numerous costumes.

Talk-show host David Letterman took the stage in 1995 as host. His irreverent humor was not well-received.

Before sharing hosting duties in 2010 with Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin ran the show solo in 2001 and 2003.

Oscars gave the mic to comedian Chris Rock in 2005. His jokes about celebrities drew criticism.

Comedian and talk show host Jon Stewart brought his political shtick to the show in 2006 and 2008.

Comedian Ellen DeGeneres didn't go out of her way to insult anyone as the host in 2007, but she did sing and dance

Actor Hugh Jackman gave it his all in 2009, singing and dancing in what he billed as "Hollywood's biggest night [on a budget]."

Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin shared quips during the 82nd Academy Awards last year.

Among other notable Oscar hosts was Chevy Chase, who in 1980 mooned the audience and opened the show by addressing the crowd: "Good evening, Hollywood phonies."

Comedian and talk-show host Johnny Carson hosted five times in the late '70s and early '80s.

Bob Hope (right) was the master of ceremonies for 18 Oscar shows. He famously bemoaned the academy's lack of recognition when it came to his own screen performances.

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In 2011, actors James Franco and Anne Hathaway joined a small club of men and women who have hosted the Academy Awards ceremony since its inception in 1929. Here's a look at past hosts of the last two decades.

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