Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin are to co-host the Academy Awards.

The comedians will be the first people to co-host the ceremony as a pair since the first Oscars show in 1929.

Steve joked: "I am happy to co-host the Oscars with my enemy Alec Baldwin."

Steve – who has presented the show twice before – earned an Emmy Award nomination for his first turn in 2001, but this will be the first time '30 Rock' star Alec has taken on hosting duties.

Referring to Steve's musical abilities, Alec joked: "I don't play the banjo but I'm thrilled to be hosting the Oscars - it's the opportunity of a lifetime."

Oscars producers Adam Shankman and Bill Mechanic said: "We think the team of Steve and Alec are the perfect pair of hosts for the Oscars.

"Steve will bring the experience of having hosted the show in the past and Alec will be a completely fresh personality for this event."

Baldwin was Oscar-nominated in 2004 for his role in 'The Cooler' and won consecutive Emmy awards for his role in '30 Rock', which Martin has also guest-starred in.

Among the actors expected to receive nominations at the 82nd Academy Awards, which take place on March 7, are Meryl Streep for 'Julie and Julia', Christoph Waltz for 'Inglourious Basterds' and George Clooney for 'Up In The Air'.

Critically acclaimed drama 'Precious' – starring singer Mariah Carey – is widely-tipped to receive the nod for Best Picture. (c) BANG