Satirist Jon Stewart to host 2008 Oscars: official

Stewart, the host of US television's "The Daily Show," presented the gala ceremony in 2006, most memorably with a montage about gay cowboys themed on "Brokeback Mountain," one of the favorites for best picture that year.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement Stewart was a natural choice to host next year's glittering gala event, where a slew of weighty, political films could be in contention.

"Jon was a terrific host for the 78th Awards," said Gil Cates, producer of the Oscars telecast. "He is smart, quick, funny, loves movies and is a great guy. What else could one ask for?"