Academy Reportedly Decides to Go Hostless After Kevin Hart Controversy

Sources say the Academy has decided to employ a group of A-list actors to introduce the show's segments.

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Oscars

In the weeks since Kevin Hart stepped down from his Oscars hosting gig, many people have wondered which celebrity would fill his shoes. Well, it seems we finally have the answer: No one.

According to Variety, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided that the 2019 ceremony will be conducted without a host—just as many people suspected. Insiders say this year's award show will rely on a group of A-list celebrities to introduce various segments throughout the night, and that there will be an emphasis on "starry skits." A source also claims the show will go heavy on music, which isn't too surprising considering the success of music films like A Star Is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody

If the reports are true, 2019 will mark the first time in 30 years that the Academy Awards went hostless. The first was back in 1989, when Rob Lowe opened the ceremony with a widely criticized musical act.

It's unclear who will open the show, as the Academy has not commented on the reports.

Shortly after Hart was announced as the host of the 91st Academy Awards, the comedian found himself in hot water over a series of old homophobic tweets. Many people called on the Academy to rescind Hart's hosting gig, after he said he was done apologizing for comments he made years ago.

Days later, Hart confirmed he had stepped down from his hosting position; however, he recently said he was open to resuming his role during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Hart announced his final decision Wednesday, during an appearance on Good Morning America, claiming he would not host this year's show.

"I say I'm done with it," Hart told host Michael Strahan. "It gets no more energy from me. That's why I said for the last time, I am addressing this. There's no more conversation about it. I'm literally, I'm over that. I'm over the moment and I'm about today, so if it's accepted, great. If it's not, then it's nothing I can control."

The 91st Academy Awards will air live Feb. 24 from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

 

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