In the same week it was reported that nobody wanted to host the 2019 Academy Awards ceremony, with The Hollywood Reporter labelling it “the least wanted job in Hollywood”, Kevin Hart has stepped up to the plate, or stage of The Dolby Theatre, and confirmed that he will host next year’s Oscars.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq_Ig_EFiOx/?utm_source=ig_embed
Revealing that it was “the opportunity of a lifetime” and that it had “been a goal on my list for a long time”, The Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Night School star posted his reaction on his Instagram account.
Following in the footsteps of Jimmy Kimmel’s stint last year, Hart was then welcomed into the family by The Academy’s official Twitter account.
Welcome to the family, @kevinhart4real! #Oscars https://t.co/vfcxAeJlwQ
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) December 5, 2018
UPDATE: Well, it seems the Academy will have to continue its search for a host, as Hart has announced that he has stepped down from the position after coming under fire due to past comments on social media about the LGBTQ community.
Hart first posted the following statement to Instagram:
“I just got a call from the Academy and that call basically said, ‘Kevin, apologize for your tweets of old or we’re going to have to move on and find another host.’ I’m talking about the tweets from 2009 and 2010. I chose to pass on the apology. The reason why I passed is because I’ve addressed this several times. This is not the first time this has come up. I’ve addressed it. I’ve spoken on it. I’ve said where the rights and wrongs were. I’ve said who I am now versus who I was then. I’ve done it. I’m not going to continue to go back and tap into the days of old when I’ve moved on and I’m in a completely different place in my life.”
He then shared a subsequent statement confirming that he has stepped down as host:
“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. I’m sorry that I hurt people.. I am evolving and want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together not tear us apart. Much love & appreciation to the Academy. I hope we can meet again.”
