Family Guy's Seth MacFarlane named Oscar host

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has chosen a new face to host the 2013 Oscar ceremony actor and producer Seth MacFarlane.

The voice actor and creator of Family Guy and American Dad will be making his first appearance on the Oscar stage. The 85th Academy Awards are scheduled for Feb. 24, 2013.

Telecast producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron called MacFarlane "the consummate host" and said "his performing skills blend perfectly with our ideas for making the show entertaining and fresh."

Its a choice geared to attract the young audience Academy Awards organizers are anxious to cultivate.

He follows on a 2012 Oscar ceremony hosted by veteran Billy Crystal and a 2011 gala hosted by a distinctly disappointing James Franco and Anne Hathaway.

Though best known for comedy, MacFarlaneis also a singer and has some hosting credits. Hehosted Saturday Night Live in September, drawing praise for his skits and his voice imitations.He also has performed live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and atNew York's Carnegie Hall and earned two Grammy nominations for his pop album Music Is Better Than Words.

This summer, he made his debut as feature film director with Ted, which he also wrote and produced. MacFarlane was creator of animated seriesFamily Guy and co-creator of American Dad and The Cleveland Show.