The 2019 Oscars had a hard time finding a host. Last year’s ceremony, the 90th Academy Awards, had record-low ratings, and the ceremony the year before was marked by a Best Picture snafu in which the wrong movie was announced as the winner.
But last night, this year’s event found its man: comedian Kevin Hart. We’re in.
Hart has been a comedy giant for years now, headlining blockbuster movies like Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and circling the country on a rare comedy stadium tour. His jokes have wide appeal, but he can also be incisive and sharp, good for a night when it’s opportune to skewer Hollywood for its various, myriad issues.
In an Instagram post Tuesday night, Hart expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, thanking the Academy, paying tribute to his late mother and promising to make the 91st Oscars a “special” touchpoint in the ceremony’s history.
While Hart has the star power to lift the Oscars out of their ratings slump, that responsibility shouldn’t be his. Instead, we should look to Hart to provide some sharp critiques of Hollywood while shining a light on the movies that pushed the industry forward this year, like Black Panther and Widows.
Hart can play to a huge venue. He can go toe to toe with any star he wants (he’s done movies with the Rock, Will Ferrell, Tiffany Haddish and Chris Rock). He has the reach to draw in your mom, your grandma, your dad and heck, maybe even your pastor.
The Oscars will air on ABC February 24.
