Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Thursday that Steve Martin will host the 75th Annual Academy Awards. It will be Martin's second turn as host of the Oscars telecast. He handled the chore at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001. Advertisement Gil Cates, who was named this week as the producer of the Oscars' diamond anniversary awards show, made the announcement about Martin. "The 75th Anniversary show is a meaningful one for the Academy, and it is wonderful to work with a host who's done it before," Cates said. "A host who's witty, clever, sharp, intelligent, quick on his feet and always on top of the unfolding action. "Wait, I've forgotten something. Oh yeah, and outrageously funny. "He's also a gentleman, a gentle man and a delight to work with." Martin -- who has been a presenter on six Oscar telecasts -- said he was happy to come back as host. "I'm very pleased to be hosting the Oscars again, because fear and nausea always make me lose weight," said Martin. Martin recently wrapped filming on the Disney comedy "Bringing Down the House," co-starring Queen Latifah and Eugene Levy. The film is due in theaters early in 2003. Advertisement In January, Martin will begin production on the film adaptation of "Shopgirl," his best-selling novella about a young woman who works at the glove counter at an upscale department store and daydreams about a better life. Martin will co-star with Claire Danes and Jimmy Fallon. Martin's next novel, "The Pleasure of My Company," is scheduled to be published next fall. The 75th Annual Academy Awards will be presented on March 23, 2003, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, in ceremonies to be televised live by ABC.
