The Oscars Will Go Hostless for the Second Year in a Row
ABC Entertainment confirmed its decision yesterday.
This year’s Oscars ceremony will be held without a host for the second year in a row. In 2019, the show tapped Kevin Hart as MC — however, the comedian stepped down following backlash for homophobic remarks he had tweeted throughout 2009 to early 2011. Despite Hart’s last minute decision to drop out, the 91st Academy Awards saw an 11.5 percent increase in viewership.
ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke explained the network’s choice to go hostless once again, citing the success of the 2019 show:
“It was so entertaining. It was filled with surprises. It was tight and I think you saw the results of that with the ratings being up with double digits. We felt lucky to have such great movies being nominated but we are feeling like we are going to have a slate that is that strong again this year, which is why we feel really confident in this decision.”
Though we won’t see anyone helm February’s awards ceremony, ABC hasn’t ruled out a host for 2021. In the lead up to the 92nd Academy Awards, don’t miss HYPEBAE’s roundup of the best films and television shows of 2019.
