Anne Hathaway and James Franco get Oscars co-hosting nod

American actress Anne Hathaway and actor James Franco have been given a green light by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to co-host the next Oscar ceremony.

The show's producers Bruce Cohen and Don Mischer announced the two will take over from this year's Alec Baldwin, 52, and Steve Martin, 65, as the hosts of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards in February 2011.

Franco, 32, and Hathaway, 28, both of whom are contenders for the awards, will be the youngest people to take on the role since Goldie Hawn achieved a similar feat in 1975 at the age of 29.

A statement from the producers said: "James Franco and Anne Hathaway personify the next generation of Hollywood icons - fresh, exciting and multi-talented.

"We hope to create an Oscar broadcast that will both showcase their incredible talents and entertain the world on February 27."

While Hathaway is hoping to get recognition for her role in Love and Other Drugs, co-host Franco is looking strong with his portrayal of trapped hiker Aron Ralston in Danny Boyle's 127 Hours.