Ep 37. Can 2019 Oscars Avoid Hostless Disaster of 1989?

In the latest episode of IMDbrief, host Tim Kash takes a deep dive into the ongoing controversy surrounding the 2019 Oscars and their decision to go without a host for the first time in 30 years. Kash examines the backlash from celebrities and viewers alike, as well as the history of the show's long tradition of charismatic emcees.

Kash begins by acknowledging the elephant in the room: the public outcry surrounding comedian Kevin Hart's initial selection as host, and subsequent withdrawal from the position over controversy surrounding past homophobic jokes. Kash notes that the Hart fiasco was just one of many factors that contributed to the decision to go hostless.

Moving on, Kash takes a closer look at the Oscars' long history of hosting, beginning with the first televised ceremony in 1953, when the great Bob Hope took the stage. Over the years, the hosting duties have been passed down to a wide variety of iconic performers, from Johnny Carson to Ellen DeGeneres to Billy Crystal. Kash points out that the role of the host has traditionally been to add an entertaining and personal touch to the ceremony, and to underpin the event's sense of grandeur and importance.

Next, Kash examines some of the reasons behind the Academy's decision to forego a host this year. He notes that the Oscars' ratings have been steadily declining in recent years, and that last year's ceremony hosted by Jimmy Kimmel saw a significant drop compared to past years. Additionally, the Academy has been grappling with a number of controversies and setbacks, from the #OscarsSoWhite campaign to the recent backlash over the proposed "Best Popular Film" category. In light of all this, Kash argues, it's understandable that the Academy might want to consolidate power and focus on the films themselves, rather than the host.

Still, Kash acknowledges that the decision to go hostless has caused its own share of problems. He cites the recent reports that the show will instead rely on a rotating cast of famous presenters, including Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, and Samuel L. Jackson. While these stars are undoubtedly charismatic and beloved by audiences, Kash wonders how effective they'll be at keeping the show lively and engaging without a single unifying host to tie things together.

Kash ends the episode by considering the stakes for the Oscars in this year's ceremony. He notes that there's no guarantee that going hostless will be a success - after all, the last time the Academy tried it, in 1989, the ceremony was widely regarded as a disaster. But at the same time, the Oscars are at a critical juncture right now, struggling to adapt to changing times and shifting cultural expectations. Whatever happens this year, Kash argues, could have profound repercussions for the future of the awards show - and for the larger film industry as well.