James Franco has admitted that he was surprised to be asked to host the Oscars.
The 127 Hours actor is to front the show, along with Anne Hathaway, and he reveals that he initially said no.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly the actor said: "When he asked me to host, I was very, very surprised, and my initial reaction was 'No'. Then I thought about it and I thought, 'Well, why not?' Because I’ll look bad? Well, I don’t care."
"When we finally met and discussed it in person, all my representatives were saying, 'No! Of course not!' So that always sparks something in me. So I said, 'Yes, of course!'
"Because that reaction that they have is based on conventional wisdom of what makes a good career. And that can be boring - really boring."
And Franco could find himself nominated in the Best Actor category for his performance in Danny Boyle's new movie.
The actor is back on the big screen in the new year as he tells the remarkable survival story of Aron Rolston.
He has already picked up a Golden Globe nod for the movies.
The Oscars will take place on the 27th February.
127 Hours is released 5th January.
Tagged in The Academy Awards James Franco