The Challenges of Hosting the Oscars: Why It’s Difficult to Find a Host
The decision to go without a host for the Annual Academy Awards Ceremony has become a recurring theme in recent years. This innovation first made its appearance in 2019, following a series of revelations about the announced host, Kevin Hart. Since then, the lack of a host has become a significant factor in the production of the show, raising questions about the future of the tradition.
The Lack of a Host in Recent Years
The Oscars were held in February 2020, and there was no host for the first time since 2019. The absence of a host was due to the series of controversies surrounding Kevin Hart. Instead of the host delivering the opening speech, dispersing witty quips, and providing a rousing conclusion, the awards and the acceptance speeches naturally drew more attention from the audience. In fact, the missing host was barely noticeable; it was the content of the awards themselves and the heartfelt speeches that kept the audience engaged.
Why the Host Position is Difficult to Fill
There are several reasons why it’s challenging to find a host for the Oscars. The most crucial factor is the immense pressure and risk involved. Many potential hosts are hesitant to take on such a high-profile role given the possibility of something they said in the past coming back to haunt them. As Joe Reid and Chris Feil of the THIS HAD OSCAR BUZZ Podcast explained, the audience is significantly larger than ever, and the host's words and actions are under intense scrutiny.
Historical Controversies and Social Sensitivities
The host position is no longer an inviting role for many, especially given the toxic environment surrounding it. In 2019, Kevin Hart had to withdraw when it was revealed that he had made homophobic and transphobic remarks in his standup routines a decade ago. This incident set a negative precedent, and potential hosts are wary of similar accusations or controversies.
The pressure is heightened by the media's focus on every comment made during the night. A single inappropriate tweet or an old standup routine can be pointed out by critics and social media users. Hosts also face the challenge of navigating complex social issues, such as gender, race, and LGBTQ rights, which can be delicate and sensitive topics.
Future Considerations: The Academy's Approach
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been trying different approaches to address the issue. In 2020, they experimented with another hostless Oscars, which saw a slight reduction in the ceremony's duration and led to improved ratings. However, the Academy is likely to reconsider the role of a host for the 2021 Oscars, possibly even pushing back the date to later in the year.
Some experts suggest that the Academy should consider a streaming service like Netflix to host the Oscars, especially after the ABC-TV contract expires. This change would provide a more relaxed and creative environment, potentially reducing the pressure on the host and allowing for more authentic and engaging content.
The Global Appeal of the Oscars
Despite these challenges, the Oscars continue to attract a large global audience, even with a slight decline in recent years. The broadcast of the Oscars reaches millions of viewers worldwide, and the quality of the nominated films, as well as the heartfelt speeches, often overshadow the host's role. In 2020, the shorter ceremony was well-received by audiences who valued the live action and the content over the potential for a host's slip-ups.
Ultimately, the question of whether or not to have a host for the Oscars remains a complex issue. While the absence of a host has its advantages in terms of streamlining the ceremony, the decision to include one is ultimately a balancing act between tradition and modern sensibilities.