
Last year's Oscars ceremony went ahead without a host, thanks to a ton of pre-show drama surrounding Kevin Hart (opens in new tab) that culminated in a quick decision. The run-up to this year's award ceremony (opens in new tab) has been less dramatic (although many people are upset (opens in new tab)that women directors were shut out of the Best Director category), but the decision has been made to continue the tradition from last year. However, there have been modifications made to last year's hastily developed plan—and it should make for an intriguing 2020 ceremony. Here's what we know at this point.
There will be no "traditional" host at the 2020 Oscars.
In January, ABC Entertainment president Karey Burke made it official: "Let me confirm it now, together with the Academy, that there will be no traditional host this year." She went on to say that she thought the host-less 2019 Oscars was a success, hence the continuation of the tradition. There will be no opening monologue (last year there was a movie montage instead) and actors will introduce the awards and segments.
In the final ABC release about the Oscars presenters on February 5, the list of presenting celebrities is enormous. Just take a look: Jane Fonda, Josh Gad, Tom Hanks, Oscar Isaac, Sandra Oh, Natalie Portman, Chris Rock, Taika Waititi, Mahershala Ali, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Zazie Beetz, Timothée Chalamet, Olivia Colman, James Corden, Penélope Cruz, Beanie Feldstein, Will Ferrell, Gal Gadot, Zack Gottsagen, Salma Hayek, Mindy Kaling, Diane Keaton, Regina King, Shia LaBeouf, Brie Larson, Spike Lee, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, George MacKay, Rami Malek, Steve Martin, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anthony Ramos, Keanu Reeves, Ray Romano, Maya Rudolph, Mark Ruffalo, Kelly Marie Tran, Sigourney Weaver, Kristen Wiig and Rebel Wilson. Oh and that's not even including performers including Janelle Monae and Billie Eilish.
A post shared by The Academy (@theacademy) (opens in new tab)
A photo posted by on
Wow.
The 2019 Oscars followed the same format.
In 2019, the final decision not to have a host was much more dramatic: Kevin Hart was selected, then promptly resigned after tweets resurfaced of derogatory jokes he'd made. The Academy had to scramble, and ultimately decided to go host-less for the first time in 30 years.
Reviews of that show were mixed. Some referenced the fact that a host usually disappears after the opening monologue and noted that this wasn't much different. Others, including USA Today's Kelly Lawler, lamented: "After the Poehler/Fey/Rudolph trio was done, there were few presenters with comedy skills; the awards were more like a press conference with movie clips in the middle." TBD on whether this year will feel different, but the absolute parade of A-listers crossing the stage will probably help.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
Related Stories
Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Eyeshadow Sticks Are a Makeup Beginner's Best Friend
Rich, lasting color with a single swipe.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
The Spring 2023 Color Trend Report
Yup, hot pink makes an appearance.
By Emma Childs
-
Ashton Kutcher Was "F***ing Pissed" When Ex Demi Moore's Memoir Came Out
She made a lot of revelations about him.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The 75 Best K-Dramas You'll Be Completely Hooked On
Wait, how is it already 2 a.m.?
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Selena Gomez Revealed Meryl Streep Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 3
Fans are losing it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell
-
Sophia Brown on Joining the World of ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’
The actress opens up about the “surreal process” of playing the Lark in the Netflix fantasy prequel.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
29 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
All the nudity of porn, but with the plot and storylines of mainstream film.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s Boyfriend on Season 5 of ‘The Crown’?
Di’s friends have said she referred to the doctor as “the love of her life.”
By Andrea Park