Ricky Gervais has confirmed reports that he is on a shortlist of entertainers who could possibly host the 2009 Academy Awards next February.

In an interview with Radio 1 this week, the Ghost Town actor said: “It is a true rumor. I have been approached and I am now on a list. But I think everyone else on the list – including Billy Crystal and everybody – would have to turn it down before they offered it to me.”