Franco to sing at Academy Awards?

18 January 2011

James Franco could belt out a tune during his hosting duties at this year's Oscars, the show's producers have revealed.

First-time Academy Award producing pair Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer are mixing old and new for the 83rd annual ceremony, with the 127 Hours star and co-presenter Anne Hathaway also keen to try fresh things.

James "threw down the gauntlet a little bit," Bruce revealed. "He said, 'I want to sing, I can sing and I've asked (the producers) to let me sing.' I think we'll be taking him up on his request."

The awards are still over a month away, with nominations not announced until January 25, but some pre-show nerves appear to be setting in.

"This will be watched by billions of people when you put it all together, so you do feel that sense of responsibility," Don said.

"We have absolutely no control over that and we don't find out any sooner than the people watching on TV."

Don, who likened planning a show without knowing the nominees to sitting on a roller coaster, added: "On January 25, we start the freefall."