Oscars: The Show Must Go On... Without A Host
Chand Sahkeel Published January 19, 2019 | 11:13 PM
Hollywood's biggest night the Oscars is set to take place next month without a host for the first time in 30 years, after comedian Kevin Hart pulled out of the gig and no suitable replacement was found
Though organizers have yet to confirm the plans, entertainment insiders say the show's producers are forging ahead with preparations for the 91st academy Awards on February 24 with no emcee.
If all goes ahead, it would be the first ceremony without a host since the 1989 gala -- one widely seen as one of the most embarrassing ever, featuring an infamous duet between actor Rob Lowe and... Snow White.
As gala organizers struggle to overcome a steady decline in viewership, many say the failure to find a host is actually good news.
"It's a blessing in disguise," Tim Gray, awards editor at entertainment magazine Variety, told AFP.
"People have been saying for years that the format -- the same since 1953 -- needs to change and they're trying to cut down on running time. So personally, I think it's a great idea not to have a host." Hart, who is currently starring opposite Bryan Cranston in "The Upside," was named to host the Oscars in early December.
But the backlash was swift -- homophobic tweets he made several years ago reemerged, prompting an outcry on social media, and he withdrew just a few days later.
"I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year's Oscar's (sic)....this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists," he tweeted.
"I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past." - 'Thankless job' - So why can't the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences find someone else? The previous two shows have been hosted by late night funnyman Jimmy Kimmel.
Comedian Chris Rock emceed in 2005 and 2016 and tv talk show host Ellen DeGeneres hosted in 2007 and 2014.
All have apparently indicated they weren't interested in the gig this year.
"I think a lot of people, especially when it comes to hosting the Oscars ... think nowadays it's not worth accepting (to host) because of the scrutiny," Gray said.
"It's kind of a thankless job," he added.
"A lot of hosts have said it's a difficult job because you walk into that room, there are 3,000 people, and all they want to know is who won in each category." In recent years, several hosts were raked over the coals. Actor Neil Patrick Harris got rumbled over his 2015 effort and said he would never do it again. James Franco and Anne Hathaway were a dud in 2011.
The Academy declined several requests by AFP for comment on the hosting situation or the show's possible format.
But according to several trade magazines, organizers are considering having multiple A-listers -- probably actors -- introduce various segments and the award presenters.
"The Academy awards regularly had multiple hosts in the 1970s and 1980s and the telecast worked very well," said Dave Karger, a special correspondent for IMDb (the internet Movie Database).
"So if this year's producers are able to book big stars to perform in skits and present the prizes, I don't think the show will suffer at all." Gray said the big challenge will be how to make the show entertaining -- both to those attending and for people watching on television -- while sticking to the promise of a three-hour telecast.
"I think the hostless situation is going to force them to come up with something imaginative," he said.
"And the fact that the show is going to be different could keep the energy going."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From Showbiz
-
Nazish Jahangir denies viral screenshots, calls them fake
14 hours ago -
Aiman Khan granted UAE Golden Visa
2 days ago -
Dutch model Donny Roelvink embraces Islam
2 days ago -
Superstar Muhammad Ali remembered on 93rd birth anniversary
6 days ago -
Hania enjoys vacations in London
7 days ago -
Death anniversary of famous singer,actress Khursheed Bano observed
7 days ago
-
Bushra Ansari ties knot with Iqbal Hussain
10 days ago -
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan embarks on Umrah journey
20 days ago -
Famous singer Shaukat Ali death anniversary Shaukat Ali observed
23 days ago -
Animal Actor Shafina Shah loses Ms.Pakistan title
24 days ago -
Mehwish Hayat unveils trailer for upcoming film 'Dagha Baaz Dil’
24 days ago -
Welcome to the Beyonce rodeo: new country album drops to praise
26 days ago