After years of campaigning for the gig, Kevin Hart will host the 2019 Academy Awards.
Rumors first surfaced Tuesday afternoon that Hart was offered the hosting role. Hart later confirmed the reports that evening on Instagram, along with Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President John Bailey.
On why Hart was chosen to host, Bailey told Variety, “First of all, he’s a very kind of warm and loving and lovable person. He’s also wanted to do this for many years. He’s been very clear how he felt about it, and that’s very heartening to us.”
“I think Kevin will do a really good job. He’s funny. He’s hip. I think a lot of people really like him. Audiences have so many things to choose from today and to have someone who isn’t on television every minute…I thought Jimmy Kimmel did a great job the last two years, but you see him five nights a week,” said former Academy president Hawk Koch.
We’re hoping in tapping Hart as host, the Oscars decide to reflect diversity in their nominations and winners, and do not have a repeat of #OscarsSoWhite.
The Oscars will take place on February 27, 2019.
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