There usually aren’t any laughs when Oscar nominations are announced.

That’s why Seth MacFarlane’s planned and joked-up sharing of the announcements (with Emma Stone) this AM was so refreshing.

Jokes about nominated actresses not needing “to pretend to like Harvey Weinstein” any more, now that they’ve made it.

Jokes about the “last collaboration between Austria and Germany” re: best picture/best director nominee “Amour,” that caused a groan, and a “Oh no he DIDN’T.”

Seth’s own dopey nomination for best original song, writing the lyrics to “Ted.”

Seth ripping Emma on comparisons to Meryl Streep.

“Who says that?” “Lotsa people.”

He was on task and on form, and while the material was no better than your average Billy Crystal at the Oscars night, he’s fresher, younger, hipper (to some). Less familiar.

This is going to work, though whether he’ll draw an audience remains to be seen. One thing I wouldn’t be surprised to see — a female co-host added to the proceedings. Emma held her own, both off the cuff and with the help of the gag writers. Is she busy Oscar night?