Academy Awards 2015
Neil Patrick Harris hosted the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California Reuters

American actor and comedian Neil Patrick Harris did not live up to expectations as the host of the 87th annual Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on 22 February in Hollywood.

The How I Met Your Mother star kicked off the show with a magical music number, but was not as entertaining during the show.

"Tonight we honour Hollywood's best and whitest - I mean brightest," Harris joked.

In a shocking move, Harris, a frequent Tony Awards host, hosted part of the night's ceremony in his underwear as part of a tribute to Best Picture nominee Birdman.

The 41-year-old Gone Girl actor topped the trending word on Twitter and was compared to comedian Ellen DeGeneres who hosted the Oscar Awards last year.

Below are some twitter reactions from fans:

As star of How I Met Your Mother, Neil Patrick Harris has form with unfunny formats being stretched out beyond their natural finishing line.

— Chris Hewitt (@ChrisHewitt) February 23, 2015

It's official. I'm bored.#Oscars2015

— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) February 23, 2015

Ok, I'll say it: @ActuallyNPH was not a great host. Started with a strong opening number, but fell flat after that.

— Conner Mulkey (@comulkey) February 23, 2015

so the 2015 oscars were a huge disappointment. I don't blame you though @ActuallyNPH. @TheEllenShow is pretty hard to beat

— bitch (@b_bigglehorn) February 23, 2015

When none of your jokes are funny so you gotta take off your clothes to entertain us. I see you, Neil Patrick Harris.

— The Gay Burn Book (@SouthernHomo) February 23, 2015

Hate to say this but Neil.Patrick Harris was about the worst host I've ever seen. Too bad! I didn't get any... http://t.co/aO5vCCXscx

— Erin Ewers (@erin0803) February 23, 2015

Bad joke.
Awkwardness.
Genuinely funny.
Awkwardness.
Genuinely funny.
Bad joke.
Genuinely funny.@ActuallyNPH as the #Oscar2015 host!

— Lisa-Marie Davidson (@LMD_LiLi_LMD) February 23, 2015
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