This Isn't Work That Just Anybody Can Do.
Anne Hathaway and James Franco are two personable, good everyday, working, screen actors, who do a good job in scripted movies. They have both appeared in movies that are pleasant to watch. But, as the hosts of last night Academy Award's show, they both came up short. James Franco came up, quite short. Now, who fault is it? The producers? The writers? The two good actors own egos?
INMHO, the best Oscars hosts have been people with stand-up comedy experience. gifted performers who have; extensive knowledge of what works and doesn't work in the humor department. In the past, Bob Hope was a good host for the Oscars ceremony, so were Johnny Carson, David Letterman, and of course Billy Crystal. The one year try that Chris Rock had at the Oscars was funny, though his jokes may have stepped on a few toes. Whoopi Goldberg hosted the Oscars four times and did very well each time.
The point is: Comedians make good masters of ceremonies, straight actors come up short.