Oscars to go ‘host-less’ after Kevin Hart controversy

For the first time since 1989, the much-anticipated Oscars will have no host this year, after Kevin Hart pulled out of the gig three days after being announced the American actor-comedian would be the emcee at the awards night.

After weeks of speculation from critics and fans, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will go ahead with the ceremony on February 24 without a replacement for Hart, insiders told entertainment magazine Variety. Hart dropped out as awards host after the Academy asked him to apologise for his past homophobic remarks that resurfaced online.

The “Jumanji” star, who was seen to help boost the Oscars’ viewership by hosting the event, refused to apologise, saying “there’s no more conversation about it ... I’m over that, I’m over the moment,” in an interview with American TV network ABC