Comedian and TV host Nabil Ahmad attends the Oscars for HBO, and tells Dennis Chua his preparations.
HAVING hosted HBO Sentral for three years, popular comedian Nabil Ahmad is going for the “job of his life” on Feb 27.
He will interview Hollywood stars at the 29th Academy Awards’ red carpet event in Los Angeles, the US.
Understandably, the 34-year-old father of two is nervous, but at the same time, he is looking forward to his maiden trip to the Oscars.
Thanking producers HBO for giving him the opportunity to bring his country “closer to the stars”, Nabil said: “I’ve always wanted to go to the Oscars, since I’m a big movie fan. I’m honoured to represent my country at the red carpet and to experience the buzz live. It will be an experience I’ll cherish a lifetime,” he told NST.
In preparing for the big day, Nabil took English classes last month to improve his command of the language. He is also glad that he hosted last year’s live screening of the Oscars at St. Regis in KL Sentral, Kuala Lumpur.
“Hosting the live screening is a warm-up, to prepare me for my trip to Los Angeles. Never missing watching the annual awards on television also helps,” said Nabil who will be flying to the US on Feb 22, accompanied by his wife, Nazirah Ayub.
Naming the “live-wire” Chris Rock as his favourite Oscar host, he said: “I love Chris and he’s a comedic influence on me. I guess I take after his laugh-out-loud sense of humour!”
When it comes to interviewing the stars, Nabil will stick to his spontaneous, friendly ways when he chats with them.
“The hosts, me included, have pre-prepared questions, so it’s not such a task for me. Nevertheless, it will still be a bit of a struggle to talk to the A-listers, but I will try to speak to my favourites — Denzel Washington, Nicole Kidman and Ryan Gosling.”
As a follower of the awards, Nabil has decided on his Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Film over the last few weeks. They are Washington, Kidman and Gosling’s movie La La Land, respectively. “Denzel and Nicole are superb actors while La La Land has been an endearing musical we can relate to.”
Nabil’s all-time favourite Oscar winner is Leonardo DiCaprio who won Best Actor last year. “He’s the most versatile leading man, and I’m so glad he finally won for his role in The Revenant.”
If HBO offers him a chance to be at the Oscars more than once, Nabil is all for it.
“I don’t think I can meet all the major stars in one visit to Hollywood. It may take several trips to familiarise myself with them as well as the show. Besides, going there repeatedly gives me an opportunity to better my hosting skills, ” he said.
As he prepares for the show, Nabil is checking his “must bring” items list, and reveals that his essentials include his camera, suit, tie and notebook.
On another note, Nabil considers netizens’ criticism of a photo of him and his wife, Nazirah Ayub, smooching during their recent trip to Venice, Italy as a “non-issue”.
“There’s nothing wrong with a married couple acting in an affectionate manner. I pay no heed to such naysayers, and accept their ‘judgments’ positively, as a sign that I’m famous!”
The Oscars, to be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will be aired on HBO (Channel 431) and Astro On The Go, “live” from the Dolby and Highland Theatres at 9am, Feb 27.