The show will go on for the Oscars without a host for the first time in decades, according to a new report from Variety.
Unnamed sources told the magazine that producers plan to move ahead without a major headliner and instead fill the show with various skits, segments and musical numbers performed by a variety of Hollywood stars.
The Academy was reportedly enthusiastic about wanting their initial pick comedian Kevin Hart to return to the position. He stepped down just two days after being named as this year’s host after facing an onslaught of social media outrage over homophobic comments he made in the past.
Though encouraged to return by Ellen DeGeneres, a major LGBTQ advocate, Mr. Hart announced on “Good Morning America” Wednesday that he had no intention of returning.
“No, I’m not hosting the Oscars this year,” he said. “The offer was made, it was received, I was excited, things happened, it didn’t work out the way it should have. Right now from a time perspective, I don’t really have time.”
The last time the Oscars aired without a host was in 1989, which opened with a musical number performed by Rob Lowe and Snow White.
• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.
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