Oscars Hosting Is 'Greatest Gig In The World'

Comedian and television host Ellen DeGeneres has said she is returning to host the Oscars for a second time because it is the "greatest gig in the world".

During a break in rehearsals at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood DeGeneres explained why she is back, seven years after the first time.

"I wasn't going to do it because I've done it before and I thought, 'I don't need to do that again', and then I realised I'm too comfortable and too complacent and I should scare myself and take a chance and so here I am scaring myself and taking a chance."

With millions of people watching worldwide and a theatre full of the film industry's biggest names, hosting is no easy job.

Last year Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane drew criticism for his hosting after cracking close to the bone jokes about nominees.

"It helps a little bit that I'm friendly with everybody but it's still scary," DeGeneres explained.

"Look, it's the greatest gig in the world and it's also really, really hard.

"It's the energy in the room. There's a lot of really anxious energy and so you kind of pick that up. You can feel all that when you walk out, so I'm trying to remain calm."

So what is DeGeneres hoping to accomplish this time with the Oscars?

"In all sincerity, I hope that everyone has fun," DeGeneres replied. "I hope that it didn't seem like it's as long as it's going to be. This year it's six hours. Did you know that? Six hours.

"Here's what I hope. I hope when I say, 'Goodnight', I hope people go, 'One more hour! One more hour!' and they start chanting and they make me stay. That's what I hope."

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:: You can also watch the Oscars live on Sunday, March 2 on Sky Movies from 11.30pm.