In the glittering world of Hollywood award shows, the spotlight shines bright and unforgiving. For Anne Hathaway, a journey that began with high hopes alongside Hugh Jackman at the 2009 Academy Awards eventually led her to one of the most challenging evenings of her career: co-hosting the Oscars in 2011. The experience, marked by mixed reviews and unexpected setbacks, still lingers in her memories, often with a humorous twist that only time can afford.
A Spark on the Oscars Stage
It was during the 81st Academy Awards that Anne Hathaway found herself sharing the stage with Hugh Jackman. Together, they presented a musical number for the Best Picture nominee Frost/Nixon, which was met with enthusiastic applause. This moment not only showcased their charisma but also bolstered Hathaway’s confidence, setting her on a path toward what she believed would be an exciting challenge: hosting the Oscars herself. “You just made everything seem like it was so much fun,” Hathaway expressed, recalling her decision to accept the hosting role. “So when it came around and they asked me to do it, I was like, ‘I want to be like Hugh. Yeah, I’ll give it a go.’”
The Unexpected Outcome
Despite her initial enthusiasm, Hathaway’s stint as an Oscars host didn’t quite echo the success of her previous stage experiences. Alongside James Franco, she faced what some critics dubbed one of the more lackluster hosting performances in the ceremony’s history. The chemistry between the co-hosts didn’t translate well on screen, leading to a lukewarm response from both the audience and critics alike.
Reflecting on the evening, Hathaway couldn’t help but humorously blame Jackman for her high expectations.
“How could you? How could you set me up like that?”
she joked during their conversation, highlighting the disparity between her anticipation and the reality of the event. However, Jackman was quick to offer words of encouragement, assuring her that she had performed commendably under the circumstances.
Lessons Learned and Support Shared
Despite the tough feedback, the experience brought valuable lessons. Jackman, recalling his visit to Hathaway backstage before the show, noted her buoyant spirit.
“I remember visiting you backstage before you hosted and you were having just so much fun — You were showing me… look at all these costumes I get to wear,”
he shared.
Hathaway, however, acknowledged that her optimism sometimes blurred into wishful thinking, a sentiment many performers can relate to when facing daunting challenges.
“You know how sometimes your optimism tips into delusion and you’re just like if I’m just really-really nice to everybody everything’s gonna work… It did not work in that case,”
she admitted.
The conversation between Jackman and Hathaway not only sheds light on the unpredictable nature of live performances but also underscores the importance of support and understanding within the entertainment community. Jackman’s reassurance serves as a reminder of the subjective and often harsh realm of public scrutiny that artists navigate.
Moving Forward with Grace and Humor
Looking back, Hathaway has learned to view the experience with a blend of realism and humor. Her journey from the exhilaration of performing at the Oscars with Jackman to navigating the choppy waters of hosting reflects the resilience required in the entertainment industry. With Jackman’s unwavering support and her own reflective insight, Hathaway continues to embrace new challenges, always with a keen sense of humor about the unpredictable roller coaster that is showbiz.