Following comedian and actor Kevin Hart’s decision to step down as host of the next Oscar Awards it’s being reported that the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences are considering taking a new approach.
Variety is reporting that the Academy didn’t have a back up host lined up to call in following Hart’s abrupt departure and with just 75 days before the awards ceremony, sources are claiming that they’re freaking out.
But instead of attempting to find a replacement host, it’s now being reported they’re considering the bold move of going without one altogether.
Two top comedy agents, who spoke to the publication ahead of an alleged emergency Academy board meeting, have claimed that one option being explored is that of going host-less.
Instead, the 91st Academy Awards, which will be held in February 2019, would offer “a bunch of huge celebs, something SNL style, and buzzy people” to help guide the show, with one possible scenario being a “stunt like group monologue”.
This wouldn’t be the first time that The Oscars have gone without a proper MC, having done so in 1989, but it has not been attempted since as the ceremony that year was criticised for being dull and cringeworthy.
Last week it was announced that Hart would be taking on the role as host for the gig, however, the announcement was quickly met with backlash after old homophobic tweets from Hart’s account resurfaced.
The Academy allegedly asked Hart to apologise for the since deleted tweets, however, in doing so he also announced that he would be stepping down from the role altogether. The announcement was made on his Twitter account and in a video on his Instagram.
I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscar’s….this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists. I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.
— Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) December 7, 2018
“I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscar’s…this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists,” Hart explained.
“I sincerely apologise to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my part.
“I’m sorry that I hurt people. I am evolving and want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together not tear us apart.
“Much love & appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.”
In the past, the Academy has had some big names host the awards show including Jimmy Kimmel, Chris Rock, Ellen Degeneres, Seth MacFarlane, Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin.
It’s being reported by New York Post that a number of people have turned down taking on the position for next year including Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld and Justin Timberlake, while Busy Phillips and Ricky Gervais have reportedly volunteered to be the host.
While it’s being reported that there will be no host next year, the internet has other ideas and have suggested a number of names to replace Kevin Hart.
I want Hannah Gadsby to host the Oscars. pic.twitter.com/kv8tOSaYVN
— Raychelle Burks (@DrRubidium) December 8, 2018
It is abundantly clear that @cher should host the Oscars!! GET WITH IT, @TheAcademy!
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) December 10, 2018
people who should host the oscars 2019:
-john mulaney
-the muppets
-john mulaney AND the muppets— abby ✨ (@finnreypoerose) December 8, 2018
Randall Park should host the Oscars. He is so effortlessly funny, charming, likeable and everyone in LA loves him, and has like zero controversy bc he’s such a good dude. Also he is handsome. #OscarHost
— Constance Wu (@ConstanceWu) December 7, 2018
Why don’t the Oscars have several of the women who had their careers destroyed by Harvey Weinstein host?
— Jennifer Gunter (@DrJenGunter) December 8, 2018
Dear @TheAcademy If needed, I am willing to host the Oscars as my character from “Behind The Candelabra”. #HereToHelp #HollywoodDiet pic.twitter.com/AnqpJ83Xrf
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 10, 2018
Honestly this is who deserves to host the Oscars… pic.twitter.com/NFqfMT4Hr6
— Kalen Allen (@TheKalenAllen) December 9, 2018
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