The Oscars are going back to basics.
It’s been three years since Kevin Hart Voted Oscar Host due to his past “problematic” jokes. Since then, the ceremony has dropped the concept of a host, using multiple stars to showcase individual segments.
There’s no Billy Crystal, Johnny Carson or Jon Stewart to guide us through Hollywood’s most important night. However, this decision did not prevent a steady drop in ratings.
Last year’s ceremony attracted 10.4 million viewers, the smallest audience in Oscar history and down nearly 56% year over year.
Now, the Academy promise to hire a host to oversee this year’s gala, which will be held on March 27 (assuming Omicron doesn’t change those plans).
The press suggested that “Saturday Night Live” star Pete Davidson could receive the title. It could be a test ball, as the Academy has aggressively awakened hiring an outspoken young white male that seems unlikely.
There is a bright side to his possible choice.
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Davidson’s “King of Staten Island“Famous is a mediocre talent, but he is not a hardline party member. That might help a bit for right-leaning viewers who would be startled by Colbert, Schumer, Silverman, or other aggressive freelance hosts.
The same is true of another possible host, Peter Parker himself, Tom Holland.
A new host will still have to grapple with the suffocating format and culture that prevents comedians from reaching their full potential.
Recent award shows have become increasingly dull and full of signs of virtue. It’s on top of public political speeches and all the jokes that can’t be told now that a Democrat is in the White House.
Any host — be it Davidson, Tiffany Haddish, or even Zendaya (as many Twitter users suggest) — will first encounter a humorous culture that is more concerned with texting than reacting. mat.
However, there is an exception to this thinking. Two, really.
Imagine if the Academy asked Dave Chappelle to throw a gala. Chappelle, under pretty big Cancel Fire Culture for his latest special on Netflix, The Closer, will bring more than just his GOAT movies to the mission. That would be a shot that crosses the pop culture arc, a sign that Hollywood’s obsession with waking has its limits.
The backlash to the move would be astounding, dwarfing anything we’ve seen. That’s one of the many reasons why it won’t happen. However, it will still be must-see television, something the Oscars haven’t had in a while.
A solid Plan B? Ricky Gervais.
The British star rocked Hollywood with his wits during his 2020 Golden Globes host performance. He’s funny, fearless, and ready to serve the industry in ways that almost no other comic can or can’t.
Again, his choice will transform the serious, old-fashioned event, but there’s a good chance he won’t take the gig and an even bigger event he’ll never take. recommended.
So the March event will continue, most likely with the host checking at least one “diversity” box. It won’t be a problem. He or she will be attracted to the culture of the industry, where comedies are subject to certain rules and where the wake-up call is big, silly jokes.
Expect those ratings to continue to fall.
