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While awards season this year may seem more unpredictable than ever given the rising number of Covid-19 cases worldwide, it may not all be bad news. A new announcement has revealed that the upcoming 94th Academy Awards will have a host for the first time in four years. The highly anticipated awards last had a host in 2018 when US talk show host Jimmy Kimmel presented the Oscars’ 90th edition for his second consecutive year.
The announcement was made by Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment during the Television Critics Association virtual press tour on January 11. “You heard it here first,” he said, while jokingly adding, “It might be me.” Since Erwich has not revealed the names of the potential hosts, viewers will have to wait for the official news ahead of the Academy Awards on March 27.
What has been confirmed, however, is that the awards will once again take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood after last year‘s relocation to the Union Station in Downtown LA for a smaller number of attendees due to Covid-19. It was also revealed that the Oscars will be directed by Glenn Weiss, who will be doing so for the seventh consecutive time, while Will Packer will produce the event. “You need someone with the deep technical knowledge and creative insights of Glenn to create an Oscars show that truly celebrates a global love of film,” Packer said in a statement. “I’m fortunate to be working with him.”
Ratings of the Academy Awards are known to have dropped in the past couple of years, which means the return of a host may just bring them back up. Prior to that, the Academy Awards stage had been taken by US’ famed comedians and actors as hosts, including Chris Rock (2016), Neil Patrick Harris (2015), Ellen DeGeneres (2014), Seth MacFarlane (2013), Billy Crystal (2012), and James Franco and Anne Hathaway (2011).
Ahead of the 94th Academy Awards, take a look at the best red carpet looks from 2021 below.
