Comedian Seth MacFarlane to Host Oscars on Feb. 24

Outspoken comedian Seth MacFarlane, creator of "Family Guy," will host the 85th Academy Awards ceremony in February 2013 in a choice seen aimed at attracting younger viewers to the movie industry's biggest night.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, which produces the Oscars, announced the selection on Oct. 1 of first-time host MacFarlane, known for his no-holds-barred humor and cultural satire on "Family Guy."

Oscars telecast producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said in a statement they picked MacFarlane, 38, because "his performing skills blend perfectly with our ideas for making the show entertaining and fresh," calling him the "consummate host".

The Academy Awards, which will next take place on February 24, 2013, are the highest honors in the movie business and the hosting job is a coveted spot, held in the past by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Johnny Carson and Steve Martin.