That , and a few good jokes , which is what Martin and Baldwin provided , arriving on stage after a musical extravaganza starring Neil Patrick Harris that seemed ready to recall the bad old days of producer Alan Carr and the notorious Oscar had to atone for history of overlooked female directors , says critic John Anderson . Steve Martin , Alec Baldwin were the funniest Oscar hosts ever , says critic . Score: 6 Salute to the late director John Hughes was `` overlong , '' critic says .
Oscar had to atone for history of overlooked female directors , says critic John Anderson . Steve Martin , Alec Baldwin were the funniest Oscar hosts ever , says critic . Score: 6 Salute to the late director John Hughes was `` overlong , '' critic says .