Anne Hathaway and James Franco to host Oscars 2011

Hollywood pin-ups Anne Hathaway and James Franco will co-host the 83rd Academy Awards in Los Angeles in February.

The pair, who "personify the next generation of Hollywood icons", according to Oscars producers, are among the youngest stars ever to host the show.

They both have experience fronting popular American comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live, and the jokes are expected to come thick and fast throughout the ceremony.

Last year comedy veterans Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin compered the glitzy bash, and it is understood Hathaway and Franco have been recruited to attract younger viewers.

The awards ceremony takes place at LA's Kodak Theatre on 27 February 2011.