Black Panther and Joker have, in recent years, had a shot at Best Picture – that’s a far more effective way to draw audiences in than plastering some late night host’s face all over its ads.
In the past, the Academy has always vetted potential hosts on their ability to secure an audience, relying on comedians whose talk shows are transmitted nightly into America’s homes or beloved actors like Billy Crystal, Anne Hathaway, or Hugh Jackman.
But hiring someone explicitly to pull focus isn’t exactly the best thing for the ceremony. In the Academy’s early days, it didn’t much matter – Bob Hope could take the reins (he hosted a total of 19 times), fire off a few quips, then delve into the business at hand.
Read more on msn.com