The 86th Academy-Awards will be honouring one of the most impressive years for cinema in recent memory.

However, it will also be one of the most sensitive, as several of the key films depict real-life events.

With this in mind, it won't be surprising if the host, Ellen Degeneres, performs a far more tamed opening monologue compared last year's emcee, Seth MacFarlane.

The 'Family Guy' creator didn't hesitate in poking fun at the best Hollywood has to offer, and even sang a musical number called 'We Saw Your Boobs', which made fun of actresses who have bared their breast in feature films over the years.

But with this year's nominated films such as '12 Years A Slave', Dallas Buyers Club', 'Captain Phillips' and Philomena', which mainly depict horrific or tragic stories, are tough to joke about and since they are based on real people, a cautious approach can be expected.

But Ellen, who will shortly become a two-time Oscar host, is perfect mix of funny and sensitive according to Neil Meron, one of the producer of this year's ceremony.

"She is funny and yet in her way she is very kind as well, and I think it's a great blend," Meron said to the Associated Press.

"We are very proud of last year's show, and we love Seth," he added. "Seth represents current comedy, as does Ellen. They are both experts in their field."

During the annual nominees' luncheon, Meron, who produced 2002's 'Chicago', concluded by simply saying;

"We are actually thrilled to be producing the show for a second year in a row, and again [the Academy] has provided an incredible group of films with which to work," he said. "We are thrilled to have Ellen as our host because she is going to be bringing her specific brand of comedy with her, which we all love."

The Academy-Awards will air live on NBC at 8 pm.

Ellen Degeneres
Ellen will host this year's award ceremony