After praising Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and hosting the Golden Globes, he became a notorious British comedian.
But organisers of rival the Oscars are hoping Ricky Gervais can save their awards ceremony – described as ‘the most boring show on television’.
Gervais delighted viewers in 2020 when he hosted Golden Globes.
Referring to one star’s preference for younger partners, he quipped that the film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood ‘was nearly three hours long. Leonardo DiCaprio attended the premiere and by the end his date was too old for him’.
And to the obvious discomfort of the gathered Hollywood A-listers, he told them: ‘If you do win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech.
‘You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything. The real world is not what you know. Most of you spent less time in school than Greta Thunberg.’
Ricky Gervais was a British comedian known for his brutal attacks on Hollywood stars, such as Leonardo DiCaprio.
But organisers of rival the Oscars are hoping he can save their awards ceremony – described as ‘the most boring show on television’ after four host-less years
In another barb, he said: ‘Looking at all the wonderful faces here today reminds me of great work that’s been done this year – by cosmetic surgeons.’
Since 2018, the Oscars ceremony has been without a host and its ratings have plummeted.
A source said: ‘Things are so desperate this year that the Academy [the organisation behind the awards]Even sent out tweets asking for help in deciding who to host.
Ricky Gervais said, “A lot of people love you.” It is becoming more common to suggest that Gervais should be considered for the job.
‘He’s the one man who could save the most boring show on television. When celebrities get up at dawn and rant about their causes, the Oscars can be too boring. Ricky would be a breath of fresh air.’
Gervais (60) co-created The Office, a hugely successful BBC comedy, and just released the third season on Netflix of After Life, his popular drama.
He played down his chances of hosting the Hollywood’s biggest party last night. ‘They’d never let me do what I wanted,’ he said.
‘I mean, that’s why the Globes got me. They told me I could make my jokes up and tell what I like, without any rehearsals.
‘I don’t think the Oscars would ever allow me that freedom and rightly so… I’d do the Oscars but it won’t happen. I’d get cancelled halfway through.’
Gervais, 60 years old, is the co-creator of the hugely popular BBC comedy The Office. He has just launched season 3 on Netflix.
Oscars: The Academy Awards’ hosted format will return this year after four years. This was revealed last week.
Whoopi Goldberg was a past Oscars host and begged Gervais not to refuse. Appearing together on America’s The View chat show, she said: ‘People would adore it if you were up for it. You said you were interested.
‘Because if you’re serious I could talk to a couple of people. I know people.’
Gervais replied: ‘I know you do and that’s what’s scary.’
The source said: ‘Oscars viewing figures have been declining for years. Ricky’s the man who could save the day.
‘People would tune in just to see how shocking he is and to watch the stars squirm.’