Awards Season is in full swing, as the 2019 Golden Globes awarded the first trophies of the year. And after all the other ceremonies have decided on winners, the biggest honor is the annual Academy Awards. Aside from the winners and nominees, much of the conversation around the Oscars comes down to its host, with plenty of legends keeping the show moving over the years.
Unfortunately, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is having a rough go ahead of this year's ceremony. Just one month ago, comedian/actor Kevin Hart announced he would be hosting the 91st Academy Awards. But he was recently moved from the position, after homophobic tweets from years ago resurfaced. It's a controversy that has dominated the entertainment world for several days, and now it looks like the Oscars aren't seeking a replacement, but going host-less this year.
This report comes to us from Variety, and is another unexpected twist in the still unfolding story of Kevin Hart's departure. After Hart revealed he wouldn't be hosting the evening, many assumed that another comedian or actor would be asked to be the MC of the iconic evening. But now it seems that the Oscars are forgoing hosting at all. Instead, the ceremony will utilized a myriad of actors, who will reportedly introduce segments of the show.
The 2019 Oscars going without a host makes history, as it's the first time the ceremony has done this in nearly three decades. But with the ceremony a matter of weeks away, trying to find someone to host the evening isn't an easy task. And given the ongoing controversy surrounding Kevin Hart's departure, endless comparisons to the comedian would likely plague whoever took the job. Instead, the Academy is shifting the narrative and going a new route for the 91st Oscars.
Kevin Hart's departure from his hosting duties has been one of the hottest issues in the entertainment world, and it's a story that continues to evolve with every passing day. The issue began when old tweets of Hart's resurfaced, which people found homophobic. He was then reportedly asked to apologize for the jokes by The Academy, but originally refused-- stating he'd already addressed his past missteps. But the questions have kept coming, with Hart making new statements as the situation continues to get more complicated.
The lack of a host isn't the first controversy that has surrounded this year's Oscars. The Academy previously revealed its plans to introduce a popular film category, a decision that was met with both umbrage and joy from certain moviegoers. That category has been tabled for another year, but it's clear that his year's Oscars won't be the most seamless. Let's just hope there's not another envelope debacle.
The Academy Awards will air February 24th. In the meantime, make sure you check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
