(Image Credit: ABC News)

After announcing the nominees for the 85 th annual Academy Awards, this year's host Seth MacFarlane told ABC News that he was surprised to receive a nomination in the Best Original Song category.

MacFarlane wrote the song "Everybody Needs a Best Friend" for this summer's hit comedy, "Ted," which he also wrote, directed and starred in. Appearing with Emma Stone on "Good Morning America" this morning after they announced the nominees, MacFarlane said he thought the odds of his getting a nomination were slim.

"That was a surprise," he said. "I actually didn't think there was any chance that would happen."

FULL COVERAGE: 85th Annual Academy Awards

The "Family Guy" creator, who is also a singer and released his debut studio album this year, titled "Music Is Better Than Words," said that the mixed bag of nominees this year - which included the youngest and oldest actresses ever to be nominated for Best Actress - is refreshing.

"This is great. It's nice to have an Oscars where you don't know who's going to win. It's actually a contest," he said. "So it's exciting."

MacFarlane, 39, whose announcement as this year's host came as a surprise to many, was coy about what's in store for this year's ceremony.

"We're pretty underway," he said. "I can't give too many specifics, but we've done a lot of work so far. There is still a fair amount of work to come."

He was also playful with "GMA's" Lara Spencer about possible costumes during the show, saying he likely won't be dressing up as Honest Abe.

"Yes, I will be the first guy ever to do a Lincoln gag," he joked.

Stone worked with two actresses nominated this year. She worked with Sally Field, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for "Lincoln," in last year's "The Amazing Spider-Man."

She also worked with "Zero Dark Thirty" Best Actress nominee Jessica Chastain in last year's hit "The Help."

"It's pretty great," Stone said. "They're both wonderful women, so that's always exciting."

As for the big show next month, MacFarlane dropped one jokey hint.

"Three words: Buscemi, Buscemi, Buscemi," he said, a reference to actor Steve Buscemi.

The 85 th annual Academy Awards will take place Feb. 24.