In a radio interview more than 35 years ago, the late Jim Henson and Frank Oz discussed the possibility of doing a Muppets sketch in which Oscar the Grouch would host -- what else? The Oscars. Now, a number of websites are suggesting that something just like that could come to pass. With the departure of Eddie Murphy as host of next year's awards ceremony, numerous Facebook and Twitter fans are pushing their favorite candidates as replacements, and while Billy Crystal appears to be the overall favorite, The Muppets also have a surprising number of supporters. A Facebook page titled The Muppets Should Host the 2012 Oscars boasts nearly 24,000 "likes." Twitter's @MuppetOscars has more than 40,000 followers. Nevertheless, Deadline.com observed "Disney owns both the Muppets and ABC, which is the network that broadcasts the Oscars and just happens to have a new movie starring Jim Henson's creations releasing on November 23rd. Can you smell PR stunt?"

10/11/2011