Kevin Hart To Host 2019 Oscars, Calls It ‘Opportunity Of A Lifetime’

Nagini Shree |Dec 05, 2018

Comedian Kevin Hart has confirmed that he will take over the host from Jimmy Kimmel to hold the gig for 2019 Oscars.

The 39-year-old US comedian and actor Kevin Hart confirmed the news on social media that he would be responsible for hosting the 91st Academy Awards, which takes place on February 24, 2019.

10584962 3x2 700x467 — Kevin Hart is set to host 91st Oscars.

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A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Dec 4, 2018 at 5:01pm PST

Jimmy Kimmel hosted the show for two consecutive years, but he previously said that he won't hold the gig for the third year. But the award telecast's ratings declined each year, with a record-low 26.5 million viewers tuning in for last year, just a half of figure in 2014. Therefore, Kevin Hart will face pressure to improve audience ratings.

Kevin Hart is only the third African-American performer to host Hollywood award show. Whoopi Goldberg was the first African-American and the first woman to solo host the telecast. Comedian Chris Rock hosted the Oscars twice.

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Meet our new host. Tune in on February 24.

A post shared by The Academy (@theacademy) on Dec 4, 2018 at 5:18pm PST

The Academy has promised that it will introduce a number of changes to boost viewership as the show won’t run over three hours and six to eight categories will be announced during commercial breaks.

The Oscars will air live on Sunday, Feb. 24, on ABC.