The Oscars Won’t Have a Host This Year

By Sameer Rao Feb 06, 2019

After nearly two months of indecision, a spokesperson for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed to Buzzfeed News yesterday (February 5) that the 91st Academy Awards will carry on without a host.

Kevin Hart ("The Upside") famously recused himself from the gig in December after Guardian editor Benjamin Lee surfaced homophobic tweets the comedian has posted from 2009 to 2012. Hart’s attempts to distance himself from the controversy backfired.

Outlets such as TMZ and Fox Business have reported that money stood in the way of the Academy finding a new host. Last year, repeat host Jimmy Kimmel disclosed that he was paid $15,000, a pittance compared to the $15 million salary he reportedly makes for his late-night talk show.

So instead of ponying up, the Oscars, which air February 24 on ABC, will rely on the numerous presenters that the Academy announced on Monday (February 4). The list includes such 2018 blockbuster stars as Constance Wu ("Crazy Rich Asians"), Tessa Thompson ("Creed II") and Amandla Stenberg ("The Hate U Give").