Indigenous Critics Not Pleased That Kevin Hart Will Host Oscars

By Sameer Rao Dec 05, 2018

Comedian Kevin Hart ("Night School") announced on Instagram yesterday (December 4) that he will host the upcoming 91st Academy Awards in 2019. 

"I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars," he wrote. "To be able to join the legendary list of host [sic] that have graced that stage is unbelievable." 

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For years I have been asked if I would ever Host the Oscars and my answer was always the same…I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s suppose to. I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time….To be able to join the legendary list of host that have graced that stage is unbelievable. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now. I want to thank my family/friends/fans for supporting me & riding with me all this time….I will be sure to make this years Oscars a special one. I appreciate the @TheAcademy for the opportunity ….now it’s time to rise to the occasion #Oscars

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A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on

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rntThe Academy confirmed Hart’s announcement on Twitter.

rntThe New York Times reports that Hart joins Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg and Richard Pryor on the short list of Black comedians to host the annual film awards ceremony. 

USA Today reported last month that the host and his wife, Eniko Hart, threw a "cowboys and Indians" party for their son Kenzo’s first birthday. Eniko Hart posted photos of the celebration on Instagram on Thanksgiving (November 22). Hart rejected accusations of cultural insensitivity and appropriation by admonishing critics for being too sensitive and missing the point on his Sirius XM show, "Straight From the Hart."

"This isn’t a racial slur that people are doing and being malicious with," Hart explained, as quoted by USA Today. "This is a game that’s been played for years."

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Several Indigenous Twitter users and allies reminded followers of the incident after Hart announced his new gig: 

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