Steve Martin host of the 73rd Academy Awards.

Steve Martin was the host the 73rd Academy Awards®.

"He's everything!" 73rd Academy Awards Producer Gil Cates said. "He's a movie star, he's funny, he's classy, he's literate - he'll be a wonderful host."

This has been Martin's eighth appearance on an Oscar® telecast, his first as host. Martin served as a presenter on six shows and introduced a Best Picture clip on the 69th telecast in 1997. He also participated in a gag film sequence for the 67th show in 1995.

"If you can't win 'em, join 'em," said Martin, who has not yet been nominated for an Oscar.

Martin is experiencing great success with the publication of his first novella, "Shopgirl," which is currently on the New York Times and Los Angeles Times best seller lists, and recently had its seventh printing. This past spring, Martin completed filming the black comedy "Novocaine" with Helena Bonham Carter and Laura Dern. The film is scheduled for release by Artisan Films in 2001.