Film Academy president lauds choice of Kevin Hart, defends against naysayers who consider hosting the Oscars a thankless job

Variety

“First of all, he’s a very kind of warm and loving and lovable person,” Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president John Bailey told Variety. “He’s also wanted to do this for many years. He’s been very clear how he felt about it and that’s very heartening to us.” As for those who believe the job is thankless, Bailey said: “I’m sorry, but there are a lot of people like Kevin who have dreamed of doing this. Life is a risk. You go out on that stage and you don’t know whether you’re going to bomb or be a smash. It’s like the opening night of a Broadway play except we only play for one night.”