(Cover) - EN Movies - Bruce Davis was "stunned" to find that James Franco's Oscar hosting skills hadn't transferred well to audiences.

Bruce is retiring from his role as executive director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this week, and has been reflecting on his time at the honorary organisation.

Movie star James co-hosted this year's 83rd Academy Awards with Anne Hathaway at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Bruce has expressed his shock at learning certain critics had slammed James' performance.

"I thought this most recent show had played very well in the house," he told The Hollywood Reporter.

"Everyone could see Mr. Franco wasn't on the same page as everybody else, but I thought it was working. To see the reviews the next morning, I was really stunned. But then I saw it on disc, and it did not play as well as a television show as it did in the house. Sometimes, the energy just doesn't get there, the bad things are magnified, and the good things aren't quite as wonderful."

Bruce, who has served as the Academy's chief for 22 years, has revealed he is the worst person to go along to the awards event with. He is too bothered about keeping an eye on the smooth running of the annual ceremony to be preoccupied with enjoying the night's events.

"My wife says I'm the worst person in the world to go to the Academy Awards with," he laughed.

"Because I'm always keeping track of the time -- and watching with gritted teeth." (C) Cover Media