The resignation of Kevin Hart from presenting the 2019 Oscar ceremonies is still wreaking havoc. After considering an infinite list of possible presenters to take his place, it now seems that the Academy would consider having no fixed presenter during the next gala night. It may not be the best decision, but without a doubt it would be the least controversial route.
The comedian and actor starring in films such as 'Central Intelligence' or the recent 'Night School', decided to renounce his post as presenter after some homophobic tweets from 2010 came to light. Despite being asked to apologise for his words by the Academy, Hart at first refused, instead choosing to post videos on Instagram in which he explained that he was no longer the same person who had said these things. The old tweets include slurs such as "fag" and "homo", as well as some insensitive jokes about AIDS, all of which sparked outrage from several LGBTQ organisations, such as GLAAD, and members of the community. Eventually, Hart put the controversy to rest, tweeting an announcement of his resignation:
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. I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.
? Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) 7 de diciembre de 2018
According to reports from Variety, the board of governors will be meeting this Thursday in order to discuss whether it is truly necessary to have a presenter and to resolve the situation. The most plausible option now is, instead of having the usual host, to count on various celebrities to taking it in turns to present the different awards. It might not be the most attractive option, but it would certainly be far easier to liven up the Oscars, seeing as every year the show is losing more and more viewers.
Audience Issues
After a nearly 20% loss of total audience from 2017 to 2018, it is precisely this fear of another low rating that is at the forefront of everyone's minds in the Academy; after two years in a row with Jimmy Kimmel fronting the least watched Oscars in history, it could be that finding another late night TV presenter is not the best option. A celebrity-presented Oscars might be the best way forward as, after all, there is nothing that pleases the crowd more that the stars.
