Kevin Hart was named host of the 2019 Oscars…or so we thought.
It all started back in December 2018 when the Jumanji 2 star, 39, revealed that he’s hosting the 91st annual Academy Awards on February 24. A few days later, Hart announced that he’s withdrawing from his duties. And today, the Academy confirmed that there will be no host. Just let that sink in.
Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment, announced the news during a press conference for the Television Critics Association, saying, “The producers decided to wisely not have a host and have the presenters and the movies be the stars. That’s the best way to keep the show to a brisk three hours.”
Back in December, Hart originally shared the news on Twitter, writing, “I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscar’s…this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists.”
His withdrawal came just two days after the comedian wrote a lengthy message on Instagram, celebrating his new role as host: “For years I have been asked if I would ever host the Oscars and my answer was always the same. I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s supposed to. I am so happy to say the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars.”
History at its finest.
