The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences is weighing on another potential host-less Oscars this year, if you remember, last year comedian Kevin Hart quit amid a hell-storm of criticism over refusing to apologize for gay jokes he made back in 2009. The Academy opting for a host-less event last year meant it was the first time the Oscars didn’t have an emcee since 1989.
ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke has just confirmed that there will officially be no host for the 2020 Oscars. Burke confirmed the decision during her annual remarks at the Television Critics Association conference this morning.
Apparently this year’s show will be the same as last year’s; A big musical opening number, big stars to present individual awards and additional musical numbers. Last year’s 12% increase in viewership seems to have convinced The Academy and ABC that host-less was the way to go. The last time there was someone hosting the Oscars it was in when Jimmy Kimmel took the reigns and the telecast became lowest watched Oscars since the ‘80s.
Despite no host or emcee, last year’s telecast clocked in at 3 hours and 23 minutes.
The 92nd Academy Awards will air live on ABC on Sunday, Feb. 9.