The Best Oscar Hosts of All Time

From the very first Oscar ceremony, hosted by William C. DeMille and Douglas Fairbanks to the anticipated pairing of Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, Academy Awards hosts have served as part tour guide and part entertainment for the biggest night in Hollywood. Whether charming with songs or making us laugh, Oscar hosts make the evening of stars one to remember. Here is a list of some of the best hosts in Oscar history:

1. Billy Crystal (1989-1992, 1996-1997, 1999, 2003)

Billy Crystal has hosted the Oscars eight times. A gifted comedian and impersonator, Crystal has entertained with Brokeback Mountain and Hannibel Lecter spoofs. His quick wit and stand up skills made him a natural at hosting the Academy Awards. Hilarious antics and funny opening numbers, makes Crystal one of the most memorable Oscar hosts.

2. Bob Hope (1940-42, 1944-45, 1952, 1954-61, 1964-67, 1974, 1977)

The King of USO tours is also served as an Oscar host 17 times in the 82 year history of the Academy Awards. Charming and clever, Hope deserved an Oscar every time he stepped out on the stage. Whether he was hosting at the Ambassador Hotel, Pantages Theatre or the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion, Hope was a crowd pleaser.

3. Johnny Carson(1978-1981, 1983)

A comedian through and through, Johnny Carson had won America's heart as host of the Tonight Show, before he served as five time host of the Oscars. Like many hosts before him, Carson had natural wit and playful manner which made him refreshing to watch. Carson had once joked that the Oscars were "2 hours of sparkling entertainment spread out over 4 hours."

4. Whoopi Goldberg (1993, 1995, 1998, 2001)

Of the 71 performers who have served as Oscar hosts, Whoopi is one of the few women, who had also earned an Oscar. Goldberg hosted the Academy Awards four times. Her edgier humor was distinguishable from that of Steve Martin, Billy Crystal, Richard Pryor and Chevy Chase, who had all served as hosts before her. Her gifts as actress and stand-up comedian worked well on stage and lets not forget the costumes!

5. Hugh Jackman 2009

He's more than just Wolverine or some man from Australia! Hugh The versatile Jackman proved that all he touches is golden! Jackman, who is an accomplished dancer and singer, entertained the Oscar crowd and home viewers with his humorous opening and a more casual Academy Awards ceremony. He was as clever as he was handsome and created a resurgence of interest in the Oscars ceremony. While not back for 2010, his time as host will be hard to forget.

Outside of the honor of winning an Oscar comes the task of hosting the Oscars. The Academy awards ceremony has been helmed by film legends, great directors, and amazing entertainers.Hollywood is fortunate to have had such remarkable hosts in the past and hopefuls for the future. Good luck to veteran host Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin at the 2010 Oscars! They have big shoes to fill.