Gervais considered for Oscar host job

LONDON, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- British actor and comedian Ricky Gervais said he was told he is on the list of possible hosts for next year's Oscar Awards presentation in Los Angeles.

The star and co-creator of the TV shows "The Office" and "Extras" can now be seen in the big-screen comedy "Ghost Town."

Gervais told BBC News his U.S. agent was approached about the possibility of him presiding over the Hollywood awards ceremony, but he was "scared" to do it.

"I don't think I'd get the freedom I needed," he said. "If it was a fun night and they said you could ad-lib, I'd do it because I really enjoy that."

When asked if that meant he wouldn't consider acting as master of ceremonies at the Oscars, he said: "Probably not, or maybe I would, but I'd be scared that it would be arbitrary. ... The reason I turn down films is because they're arbitrary or I thought I couldn't have enough sway or power."

Gervais admitted he is "flattered" to be considered for the job.

"I still want to be invited. I want the invite to turn it down," he said, adding, "It's one I'd certainly think about."

Previous Oscar hosts include Jon Stewart, Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Johnny Carson and Bob Hope.