2020 Oscars may compromise between having a host and going host-less

Variety

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and ABC are currently exploring a compromise solution between going with and without a host. "Producers for the Feb. 9 telecast are said to be searching to find the middle ground between having a single A-lister handling hosting duties and opting for no emcee at all," reports Variety. "That could manifest as a crop of big name talent sharing duties instead of having one star forced to shoulder the pressure of cracking jokes and welcoming a global television audience over a more than three-hour program." Having a host next year is unlikely to happen. Last year, Kevin Hart was announced as host on Dec. 4, 2018 for the Feb. 24, 2019 ceremony, and his announcement was already considered late. It's Dec. 18 and the Oscars are less than two months away, at the earliest-ever date of Feb. 9, which isn't enough time for a host to prepare. According to Deadline, "the Academy is believed to be following a similar blueprint this year, going after top entertainers to give the show the burst of energy a good opening monologue by a host provides."