Kevin Hart Announced as Academy Awards Host for 2019

Kevin Hart

With less than a month until 2018 closes its doors, it does seem strange that there hasn't been an Oscar host announced yet. Following a two year run by Jimmy Kimmel, there was a lot of concern over who would take the position. This year has had a lot of interesting themes, including the prediction that Black Panther will become the first superhero film nominated for Best Picture, and that The Academy is in desperate need for more viewers to the point of temporarily announcing a Best Popular Film category that was quickly reviled. So, who do you get that could appeal to those audiences who probably have yet to see this year's big contenders? Yesterday, The Academy announced that comedian Kevin Hart will be hosting. As with every new host, it only feels right of looking forward to what he has to offer by guessing just what he'll bring to the position.

There's no denying that Hart is a prolific comedian. In just a few years, he has managed to appear in enough movies to become a recognizable lead in such films as Night School, Ride Along, Captain Underpants, and last December's surprise hit Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. He's got a lot going for him, especially given that his average stand-up special has some success as a theatrical experience. He is the type of presence that one would expect at your MTV VMA's, or any other trendy youth awards show looking for an eccentric type meant to draw in audiences. It's also maybe why he was so easily picked to host The Academy Awards in 2019 over just about anyone else.

When it was announced, Hart took to his Instagram account to announce his admiration for the position, writing:

View this post on Instagram

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 suppose to. I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time....To be able to join the legendary list of host that have graced that stage is unbelievable. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now. I want to thank my family/friends/fans for supporting me & riding with me all this time....I will be sure to make this years Oscars a special one. I appreciate the @TheAcademy for the opportunity ....now it’s time to rise to the occasion #Oscars

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Dec 4, 2018 at 5:01pm PST

Former host Chris Rock would also joke later that Hart took the job from him. Whatever the case may be, it raises a lot of questions as to what Hart will bring to the position. Many could easily suspect that it will be some form of his comedy persona, which is largely eccentric and full of nervous tics. He's clearly going for a fun time and likely will rib on trends that would appeal to a wide enough audience that The Academy could see an increase in viewership. Of course, the issue goes beyond who is hosting, but it does feel like Hart is part of an attempt to make The Academy trendier in a time where the idea of Black Panther getting a Best Picture nomination is just as much about quality as it is being popular. There's no denying that Hart's upbeat nature will do something for the show, though the choice to go bolder isn't always the best. In 2013, host Seth MacFarlane mixed ribald humor with pop culture references in ways that ruffled feathers - all in an attempt to bring in a wider audience after Billy Crystal proved to be too old hat for modern audiences. It's been an ongoing struggle for The Academy to be trendy, going back to the reviled James Franco/Anne Hathaway hosting of 2011, meaning that Hart's comic charisma isn't guaranteed to be a success.

If anything, Kimmel's recent run has proven to be the best formula imaginable by mixing just enough audience interaction with awards in a way that keeps the show moving without losing viewers at home. Of course, there's other issues with Hart's persona that may cause ironic backlash for The Academy Awards when it airs. Following the announcement of him hosting, many have recollected some of his more controversial past that includes homophobia and misogyny. This could prove to be an issue with audiences, especially in an era where programs like Me Too and Time's Up are fighting unfairness in the industry. It wouldn't be out of line if he was randomly fired, as 2011 saw host Eddie Murphy back out following the ceremony's producer Brett Ratner saying controversial comments like "Rehearsal's for fags." With that said, Hart has a better reputation now than Murphy and Ratner did at that time. It would take a lot for him to just disappear. Still, many have complained that he shouldn't host when more P.C. comedians are deserving, including his Night School co-star Tiffany Hadish, who was a memorable part of last year's awards season.

With that said, it's looking to be a bit of a weaker year for The Academy overall. With exception to A Star is Born, there have been no runaway hits that would allude to serious competitors. The Favourite is doing well in limited release and films like Eighth Grade and First Reformed have gotten a boost from end of year lists, but nothing is entirely clear otherwise. There's no telling what this year would look like, especially in a time where the expected favorites (First Man, Beautiful Boy, Widows) have largely flown so low that they may not even qualify. Who knows. Whatever the case may be, it's nice to know that at least one thing is certain for next year's ceremony. Now the rest has to be figured out before Hart hosts the ceremony on February 24, 2019 (check local listings).