Oscars: Inside the Search for a Host

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As a longtime observer and analyst of the entertainment industry, I must say that the choice of host for the Oscars is always a delicate balancing act between popularity, chemistry, and avoiding potential controversy. With Chris Rock’s return being a tantalizing prospect, but also fraught with past offenses, it seems like the Academy might be leaning towards someone more universally beloved.

Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted the last four Academy Awards ceremonies including the ones in 2017, 2018, and more recently the two most recent ones, and John Mulaney, the host of the latest Governors Awards ceremony, have declined to take up the role as the emcee for the 97th Oscars scheduled on March 2, 2025. This raises the question: who will the Academy, the producers of their telecast (likely to be the same team behind the successful 2024 ceremony, excluding Kimmel’s wife), and ABC choose as a replacement – if anyone? They went without a host for the ceremonies in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

The Academy and ABC, tending to play it safe, frequently ask past hosts to return, but those who hosted in more recent times rarely get another invitation. Disregard James Franco, Anne Hathaway, who co-hosted in 2011, and Neil Patrick Harris from 2015 – they all fell flat. Many deemed Seth MacFarlane, the host in 2013, too vulgar (as seen in his “We Saw Your Boobs” song). The show led by Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes was generally considered underwhelming.

Hosts such as Ellen DeGeneres, Alec Baldwin, Billy Crystal, and Whoopi Goldberg have had varying fortunes since they graced the Oscars stage. While Ellen was warmly welcomed in 2007 and 2014, her public image has faced setbacks, with her even self-deprecatingly calling it a “kick out” from show business. Alec Baldwin’s political satire of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live made him a divisive figure, and the unfortunate events surrounding Rust have further complicated his career. As for Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg, both in their late 60s, they might not be as effective in helping the Academy and ABC draw in younger audiences to the show.

Four past hosts, however, may remain viable.

At the age of 78, comedy icon Steve Martin, who previously hosted in 2001, 2003, and jointly with Baldwin in 2010, may be too senior for the Academy to consider him as a solo host. However, if they could persuade his longtime comedy companion Martin Short (also 74) and their co-star from “Only Murders in the Building,” Selena Gomez (32), to co-host together, it would be a significant achievement. This is noteworthy for two reasons: ABC and the streaming platform Hulu, where “Only Murders” airs, are both owned by Disney; and Gomez stars in one of this year’s most promising Oscar nominees, “Emilia Pérez.”

As a devoted admirer, I firmly believe that Jon Stewart, who graced our screens in 2006 and 2008, would undoubtedly be an excellent addition to any lineup. His current schedule of hosting The Daily Show just one night a week suggests he might have more free time than he has in years past. However, it’s important to consider that Jon is known for his political views, which could potentially raise eyebrows among the Academy and ABC. They strive to keep politics at bay during the Oscars ceremony, especially given evidence that political discourse can impact viewership numbers.

Chris Rock, who hosted the Oscars in 2005 and 2016, remains a highly sought-after figure, making his potential return to the event in light of his slapping incident by Will Smith in 2022 a significant event. However, it’s important to note that during his previous stint as host, Rock stirred up controversy with a skit involving Asian children, for which the Academy eventually issued an apology, though not Chris Rock himself. Given this history, it’s likely that some, such as Janet Yang, the Academy’s first president of Asian descent, might prefer to choose a different hosting approach.

Later on, we have Hugh Jackman, who was the host of the highly praised 2009 ceremony. Not only did he sing and dance, but he also got Beyoncé to join him in a performance. Interestingly enough, Jackman is one of the two leading actors in this year’s top-grossing movie, “Deadpool & Wolverine”. It’s almost as if Wolverine (Jackman) might ask Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds, Jackman’s good friend) to join him for a joint appearance.

It appears that the Academy might prefer to have someone who’s well-known and well-respected within the industry as the host, rather than a comedian. This role would involve being friendly, encouraging, and keeping things moving smoothly. Given his exceptional talent for showmanship, Hugh Jackman seems to be a strong candidate for this position, given his past successful hosting of the Tony Awards in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2014.

Among the potential candidates for the event are individuals such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, known for his confidence under the spotlight; Glen Powell, this year’s breakout star who could attract a younger audience to the broadcast; John Legend, perhaps accompanied by his partner Chrissy Teigen; Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling, who previously demonstrated excellent chemistry as co-presenters; and Tom Hanks, an Academy board member deeply committed to its museum and likely to lend assistance if needed.

If the Academy and ABC decide to choose a comedian, they might consider Conan O’Brien, a former late-night host now hosting podcasts and travel shows, who appears to be a universally acceptable pick; Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig, who garnered great success when they co-hosted the 2020 event; Chelsea Handler, who has sharpened her hosting abilities by emceeing the less formal Critics Choice Awards in 2023 and 2024; Ali Wong and/or Bill Hader, a humorous duo; or Tiffany Haddish, although she has faced some controversy recently.

I don’t think it’s likely that ABC would approve anyone who appears on late-night shows competing against Jimmy Kimmel, as this excludes NBC’s Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, CBS’s Stephen Colbert, HBO’s John Oliver and Bill Maher. Similarly, someone from a rival network like NBC’s Michael Che or Colin Jost would also not be considered, given that they are in direct competition with Kimmel.

Trevor Noah, who could excel in late-night television, is currently focusing on hosting the Grammys, as he has been their host for the last four events. Given this commitment, it’s not very probable that he will also manage another prestigious award show like those eligible for EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).

It’s highly unlikely that either Ricky Gervais or Dave Chappelle will be asked to host the event, considering their tendency towards chaos and unpredictability in their performances, which might not align with the more formal image the Academy and ABC prefer for such events.

Ultimately, it’s worth noting that some well-known figures who could potentially host the show have turned down the offer. These individuals have been approached (in some instances by me) and have explicitly declined for various reasons, ruling them out as hosts: Justin Timberlake, Melissa McCarthy, Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, John Krasinski, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say:

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2024-08-03 22:25