BIGThe Academy confirmed the news Thursday morning. Stewart also served as the host of the Grammy Awards in 2001 and 2002.
Many other celebrities were considered to host the evening, including Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Martin, Jay Leno and Conan O’Brien.
Nominations for the prestigious ceremony will be announced on January 31. The Oscars will be presented on March 5 from Hollywood.
The 78th ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 5, 2006. The date is a week later than normal in order to avoid a clash with the televised 2006 Winter Olympics.
In addition to the change in date, the ceremony will also kick off a half hour earlier than last year, starting now at 8:00. The event will be held at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
The Academy of the Arts in California sent the invitation on Tuesday. Interested countries must make their submissions by October 14th.
For the first time in 78 years, the country of Kazakhstan will enter the competition.
Each year, the world’s biggest designers dress the biggest stars. 2005 was marked by the nude shoulders left by the dresses of the evening.
South African actress Charlize Theron (1) was elegant as ever in a Christian Dior dress designed by John Galliano.
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz (2) was dressed in yellow in a creation by Oscar dl la Renta; her jewellery by Chopard.
Singer Beyonce Knowles (3), all in black, chose an Atelier Versace gown.
Renee Zellweger (4), had a cinched waist in her fitted red gown by Carolina Herrera.
Scarlett Johansson (5) chose a black dress by Roland Mouret.
Gwyneth Paltrow (6) opted for a creation by British designer Stella McCartney.
Halle Berry (7) was wearing a silk dress from Atelier Versace.
Cate Blanchett (8) wore a pale yellow dress by Valentino Couture.
French actress Julie Delpy (9) wore a cream coloured dress.
Actually, other than the prestige and positive impact the statue gives to its owners, the Oscars ceremony is also a way for stars to make money.
Taking into account the high visibility following the awards, designers and jewellers don’t hesitate to pay celebrities to wear their creations.
According to Herald Sun, certain actresses are paid more than $100,000 to wear jewellery. Others may earn nearly $315,000 to wear a certain dress.
It’s already known that Hillary Swank, star of the film rumoured to win Best Motion Picture, Million Dollar Baby, will be wearing Calvin Klein.
For her part, Charlize Theron, a presenter at the ceremony, will wear a dress by Chopard.
The Oscars will be shown Sunday, February 27.