Steve Martin Rules Out Hosting Oscars Again: 'It's a Lot of Work'

Steve Martin, who has hosted the Oscars three times in the past, has revealed that he has no plans to return to the prestigious award show as a host again. The actor, who recently starred in the popular series "Only Murders in the Building," cited his busy schedule and the extensive preparation required for the role as reasons for his decision.

Steve Martin, the legendary actor and comedian, has made it clear that he is not interested in hosting the Academy Awards for a fourth time. In a recent interview with the LA Times, Martin shared his reasons for ruling out the possibility of returning to the Oscars stage.

"That represents so much work for us," Martin said, referring to his current commitment to the television series "Only Murders in the Building," which he stars in alongside Martin Short and Selena Gomez. "And we love our summers."

Steve Martin Rules Out Hosting Oscars Again: 'It's a Lot of Work'

Martin emphasized the significant amount of preparation and mental effort required to host the Oscars. "When I hosted before, I started working months ahead of time," he explained. "And now I have a completely different life. I’m not as free. It’s a lot of work, and we’re working."

During his previous hosting gigs, Martin recalled starting his preparations several months in advance. He also noted that the Academy does not provide monetary compensation for the host's services.

Steve Martin Rules Out Hosting Oscars Again: 'It's a Lot of Work'

"They don’t pay, either," Martin said of the Oscars. "The Golden Globes pay, so they get Tina Fey and Amy [Poehler]. And Ricky Gervais. The Oscars should pay. When you consider the amount of work, it’s at least several months of mental churning."

Martin revealed that he had written a joke for the Oscars but never had the opportunity to use it. "I have a joke for the Oscars that I never used," he said. "But I always think it’s funny. I’ll come out and say, ‘I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, Steve, how did you get to host the Oscars? It was easy. I just called my agent and I said, Get me something thankless.'"

Steve Martin Rules Out Hosting Oscars Again: 'It's a Lot of Work'

The actor also declined an offer to portray Vice President Kamala Harris' running-mate, Governor Tim Walz, on "Saturday Night Live." Martin explained that he is not an impressionist and that the ongoing commitment required for the role did not align with his current schedule.

"It’s ongoing," Martin said of the "SNL" appearance. "It’s not like you do it once and get applause and never do it again. Again, they need a real impressionist to do that. They’re going to find somebody really, really good. I’d be struggling."

Despite his decision not to return to the Oscars, Martin expressed appreciation for the iconic award show. "The Oscars are a great institution," he said. "I have a lot of respect for them. I’ve been there. I’ve seen it. I know the work that goes into it. It’s a lot of work."