The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is still figuring out the next steps after Kevin Hart’s abrupt departure from the show. According to Variety, the comedian’s sudden decision to step down from hosting the Oscars after his old homophobic tweets resurfaced—instead of initially apologizing and weathering the storm—has left the Academy in a tight spot, as there was no contingency plan for a situation like this. As a result, the Academy is exploring a number of options, ranging from opening the show with a stunt-y group monologue to having no host at all.
“They’re freaking out,” a comedy agent told Variety, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Another talent rep said their clients are “bummed Kevin didn’t stay the course and serve as an example.” They also wondered why the Academy didn’t vet Hart more thoroughly—which is surprising, given how the Academy has made a habit of choosing hosts who seem “safe,” and who are unlikely to offend viewers with an edgy sensibility. Somehow, the organization also failed to anticipate how frequently stars are taken down by their old tweets these days. (Even worse, Hart’s homophobic jokes were also part of an old stand-up routine.)
Per Variety, the Board of Governors will converge Tuesday for a previously scheduled meeting, where the host topic will likely come up. Going host-less altogether is apparently an option: it’s happened a few times in Oscars history, most recently at the 1989 ceremony . . . which was panned by critics for being a dull and cringeworthy affair, not least because it opened with a ridiculous song and dance number performed, in part, by Rob Lowe and Snow White. Of course, other awards shows have survived without a host to great effect—but perhaps the times have changed too much for the Academy to really consider this tactic. At this point in Oscar history, the host has not only become part of the shtick, but much of the show’s draw, someone who can pull in a few extra eyeballs during a time of dwindling ratings. At the very least, if the Academy does go with this option, it will perhaps anticipate which pitfalls to avoid.
Other options are still on the table, Variety notes. The Academy could also open the show with a group monologue, or it could enlist a Saturday Night Live-style cluster of “buzzy” stars to keep the show chugging along. ABC and the Academy have not yet commented on the matter.
— The 10 best movies of 2018
— A whole new look at Apollo 11
— The Game of Thrones secrets in George R.R. Martin’s final script
— Sandra Bland’s sisters are still searching for answers about her death
— How a movie producer and Hollywood invented a right-wing commentator
Looking for more? Sign up for our daily Hollywood newsletter and never miss a story.
