Comedian and impressionist Matt Friend is set to elevate his burgeoning career by hosting the Academy Awards red carpet for ABC and Live With Kelly and Mark, an announcement that positions the 27-year-old rising star firmly within Hollywood’s most anticipated night. Friend will also make a subsequent appearance on Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ popular morning-after broadcast, providing an insider’s recap of the star-studded event. This significant booking marks a pivotal step toward Friend’s stated long-term ambition of one day hosting the prestigious Academy Awards ceremony itself, solidifying his transition from viral online sensation to a prominent fixture in mainstream entertainment.
Friend’s Ascendancy in the Entertainment Landscape
Friend’s journey to the forefront of awards season coverage has been swift and marked by a series of high-profile engagements. Known for his uncanny impressions and quick wit, he has garnered significant attention at a diverse array of major events, including the Golden Globes, the Emmy Awards, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, the Palm Springs Film Awards, and even Milan Fashion Week in collaboration with luxury brand Zegna. Each appearance has served to broaden his exposure and refine his unique brand of interactive comedy, setting him apart from traditional red carpet interviewers.
The news of Friend’s Academy Awards role was first revealed on Live With Kelly and Mark, underscoring the collaborative nature of this opportunity. His connection with the morning show began with a guest appearance, during which a conversation with a producer, Jan, loosely initiated discussions about his Oscar night plans. This casual exchange quickly materialized into a concrete offer, propelling Friend closer to his ultimate career aspirations. His youthful energy and distinctive comedic approach are seen as a strategic move by ABC to infuse fresh appeal into its pre- and post-Oscars programming.
A Distinct Approach to Red Carpet Hosting
Friend’s strategy for navigating the high-stakes environment of the Oscars red carpet deviates significantly from conventional interviewing styles. He emphasizes that his primary role is not that of a typical red carpet host, but rather a comedian, impressionist, and actor. His objective is to generate genuinely funny and memorable moments, engaging celebrities in a manner that celebrates their work rather than focusing solely on their attire. This approach, which began gaining traction at events like the Golden Globes, has led to a unique dynamic where stars themselves often seek him out, eager for him to perform impressions of them to their faces—a practice that has frequently gone viral with figures such as Jeff Goldblum, Nicolas Cage, Paul Giamatti, Austin Butler, and the cast of Succession.
Drawing inspiration from legendary late-night hosts like Johnny Carson, Friend aims to create an environment where his interviewees can truly shine. He views his red carpet presence as akin to hosting a late-night show, where the goal is to set up guests for success and elicit authentic, entertaining interactions. This philosophy is rooted in making people comfortable, a skill he admires in mentors such as Regis Philbin, David Letterman, and his upcoming co-hosts, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. For Friend, the red carpet is a vibrant celebration where attendees are at their best, dressed impeccably, and eager to acknowledge their achievements.
The Significance of the Post-Show Appearance
Beyond his red carpet duties, Friend’s appearance on Live With Kelly and Mark‘s morning-after broadcast adds another layer to his involvement. This segment traditionally offers viewers a comprehensive recap of the night’s most talked-about moments, surprise guests, and key takeaways from the ceremony and after-parties. For Friend, it promises to be a "sleepless, crazy night" filled with attending various industry parties, ensuring he can provide a firsthand, energetic account of Hollywood’s biggest celebration. This dual role—from the frenetic energy of the red carpet to the reflective insights of the morning show—showcases his versatility and commitment to immersing himself fully in the Oscars experience.
The post-show analysis is a critical component for many viewers who wish to relive the highlights, discuss the fashion, and hear behind-the-scenes anecdotes that only those deeply embedded in the event can provide. Friend’s unique perspective, informed by his comedic lens and direct interactions with talent, is expected to bring a fresh and entertaining dimension to this traditional recap, offering an engaging counterpoint to more conventional critiques.
Aspirations and Dream Encounters
Despite his rapid ascent, Friend remains grounded in his aspirations, particularly his ultimate dream of hosting the Academy Awards. He views this current opportunity as invaluable experience within that world. His comfort level on such grand stages is a testament to his preparation and philosophy; he believes that being relaxed himself is key to making his guests feel at ease.
Friend has a clear vision for who he hopes to encounter on the red carpet. Timothée Chalamet holds a special significance, as a TikTok video of Friend doing an impression of Chalamet during his Call Me By Your Name era was his first truly viral moment. Other dream interviews include Leonardo DiCaprio, whom he has observed at other industry events, Michael B. Jordan, and Benicio del Toro. He also expresses an interest in engaging with industry executives like Bob Iger and Ted Sarandos, aiming to elicit "laugh out loud funny moments" from them in a setting distinct from typical business interviews.
When discussing his cinematic preferences for the year, Friend cited several films that resonated with him. He mentioned "Marty Supreme," noting its themes of hustle and building a name for oneself as particularly relatable to his own career trajectory. He also praised "One Battle After Another," "Hamnet," and "Frankenstein," specifically highlighting Oscar Isaac’s performance and the appeal of Jacob Elordi, jokingly suggesting a joint appearance with Elordi would "seduce audiences worldwide." He also expressed a desire to perform a duet of a Neil Diamond song with Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, referencing their film "Song Sung Blue."
The Road Ahead: Stand-Up and Special Projects
This high-profile Academy Awards engagement comes amid a busy schedule for Friend, who is currently on a stand-up comedy tour. His upcoming dates include a major show in Las Vegas at The Palazzo in The Venetian shortly after the Oscars, as well as performances in Poughkeepsie, Miami, and a residency at the Carlyle in New York in April. He is also developing his first hour-long special in San Diego, where he plans to incorporate stories and anecdotes from his experiences interacting with celebrities on red carpets and at various events.
Friend’s deep reverence for the tradition of award shows is evident in his habits; he regularly binge-watches old Oscars monologues from legendary hosts like Billy Crystal, Ellen DeGeneres, Bob Hope, and Johnny Carson. He appreciates how these hosts crafted jokes and addressed the relevant issues of their time, and eagerly anticipates the return of figures like Conan O’Brien to the awards circuit. For Friend, the Academy Awards represent an epic tradition, and his participation in this year’s event is poised to be a significant milestone in his rapidly expanding career. His unique blend of impressions, comedic timing, and genuine enthusiasm is set to bring a fresh, engaging dynamic to Hollywood’s most glamorous night, both on the carpet and in the morning after.
