There’s a reason Pete Davidson is unlikely to host the 2022 Oscars. The Academy Awards have aired without a host for the last three years. After Kevin Hart stepped down from the position after coming under fire for old homophobic tweets, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences decided to go without a host for the first time since 1989. That model proved successful for ABC, which continued the show without a host for the next two years.
AMPAS recently announced that the 2022 Oscars will have a host. This comes after Glen Weiss was hired to direct the show for the seventh year in a row. The prestigious awards show is a staple in broadcast television and has been the most anticipated event of the year within the film industry. Last year, ABC saw its lowest ratings ever for the awards show, even with pandemic standards. AMPAS is looking for new ways to renew interest in the program and gain viewership, with Davidson being a top contender for the position.
According to Variety, the odds for Davidson hosting are very low. The Oscars broadcasts on ABC, and Davidson is heavily tied to the NBC brand as a member of Saturday Night Live. Davidson hosting would essentially promote a rival network. The comedian/actor notably received praise for recently co-hosting Miley Cyrus’ New Year’s Eve special. While his profile is quite high at the moment, ABC is likely more willing to stick within the Disney umbrella regarding the host choice.
The Academy recently sent out a tweet asking followers who they want to see host the Academy Awards, and the answers have varied from Elmo to Dionne Warwick. A high-profile contender for the hosting job making waves on social media is Tom Holland. Spider-Man: No Way Home broke box-office records, and he actually is contracted under the Disney umbrella. Many are hesitant with this choice as many Oscars hosts have been comedians with years of improv experience. However, Holland has definitely charmed audiences with his interviews and talk show appearances throughout the years.
Additionally, many have speculated if the star trio of Only Murders in the Building, Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin, will be asked to sign on for the duty. The show had a positive reception on Hulu and continues to receive various prestigious nominations. The host will need to be able to draw in high viewership numbers. The safest option is to choose someone likable and who can add value to the event experience. There is currently no word on when AMPAS will announce the host. However, nominations will be announced in February, and the event will take place on March 27, so the host could be announced any day now.
