The 2019 Oscars made headlines after it aired without a host for the first time in years, and it seems that might be the new norm.
Hosting the Oscars is a huge honor for actors and comedians, but after the 2019 Oscars received positive reviews for its hostless format, that might be changing. According to reports, the 2020 Oscars will likely not have a host.
As Variety explains, the head of ABC Entertainment, Karey Burke, said that it is very possible to mimick 2019’s format. She told reporters, “I believe we will not mess with that format to the best of our ability.”
Of course, with Jimmy Kimmel just closing a three-year extension deal with ABC, many assumed the comedian and late night host would be helming the biggest night in Hollywood. Burke made it clear that she was not confirming or denying that Kimmel could host the event, but that the Oscars wouldn’t revert to a hosted format just because of tradition.
After all, the 2019 Oscars saw a significant ratings boost with its hostless format. That’s a pretty big deal, especially when you take into account the fact that all other major award shows suffered a ratings loss.
While it could be argued that the event drew in big numbers because people were curious to see what the hostless format would look like (and therefore wouldn’t be reproduced if it became the norm), its something ABC has to pay attention to and consider moving forward. We don’t yet know what the network is planning, but the 2019 ceremony proved a hostless ceremony can be done, and done well.
If the hostless format can consistently bring in big ratings, it makes sense that the old format of a single host would be sidelined indefinitely. A no-host Oscars ceremony certainly would take the pressure off of the host and would potentially stop the threat of less-than-stellar hosts whose lackluster performance takes the headlines rather than the ceremony itself (like Anne Hathaway and James Franco’s 2011 run as hosts).
Of course, nothing has been decided yet. We’ll have to stay tuned to see what ABC ultimately decides to do. Either way, we’re excited to see what the 2020 ceremony holds!
Source: Variety
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