If someone said years ago that Jon Stuart Leibowitz would become one of the respected and beloved comedians in the world, he would have been the first person to start laughing.

Jon Stewart has been selected to host the 78th Academy Awards telecast, making it his first stint as Oscar host. According to producer Gil Cates, "My wife and I watch him every night. Jon is the epitome of a perfect host — smart, engaging, irreverent and funny."