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Kevin Hart, of 'Ride Along' fame, to host Oscars 2019

By Shuvrajit Das Biswas

Dec 05, 2018

08:20 pm

What's the story

Academy Awards 2019 will be aired on ABC on February 24, and this ceremony has found an emcee in US-based actor and comedian Kevin Hart. After rumors circulated for long that Hart was being considered as the host for the 91st Academy Awards, he has finally confirmed the same through an Instagram post on Tuesday. Here's all about it.

Instagram Post

Hart confirms the news

For years I have been asked if I would ever Host the Oscars and my answer was always the same...I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s suppose to. I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time....To be able to join the legendary list of host that have graced that stage is unbelievable. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now. I want to thank my family/friends/fans for supporting me & riding with me all this time....I will be sure to make this years Oscars a special one. I appreciate the @TheAcademy for the opportunity ....now it’s time to rise to the occasion #Oscars

A post shared by kevinhart4real on Dec 4, 2018 at 5:01pm PST

Response

Hart 'blown away' at prospect of his goal becoming reality

Hart had long expressed his interest to host the Oscars and said that it would be an "opportunity of a lifetime." He was "blown away" at the prospect of his goal becoming a reality, giving him the chance to join the "legendary list of hosts" to have graced the stage. Appreciating the Academy for the opportunity, he promised to make this year's Oscars, special.

Challenges

Hart has his work cut out, has to boost ratings

Hart pounced on this opportunity despite a busy schedule, after Jimmy Kimmel, who hosted Oscars for two consecutive years, refused to return for the third time. However, the comedian will surely have his work cut out, as he will have to bear the pressure of trying to boost the audience ratings for the show, which had the lowest viewership of 26.5 million last year.

Quote

'It would be great to say I had that moment'

Hart, known for Soul Plane, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, seems to be up for the challenge of hosting Oscars. "It'd be something I'd definitely do just to say I did it in my career. It would be great to say I had that moment," he said.

Format change

Hart will be hosting a changed Oscars

The upcoming Oscars will not just see a change in emcee as Hart takes the stage, but a change in format as well. As we had reported, several changes are coming to the format of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' ceremony, aimed at improving viewership. These will include shortening the length to three hours and giving out awards during commercial breaks.