Are Award Show Hosts An Endangered Species?

Bob Hope hosted the Oscars 19 times, more than anyone else. Billy Crystal (above) is a distant second (9). Jimmy Kimmel was the last person to host the Academy Awards in 2018. Will he be the last ever?

For the second year in a row and third time overall, the Oscars will not have a host. Going host-less seems to be working out just fine for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Does this mean award show hosts are an endangered species?

It would be understandable if more awards shows decided to ditch their masters of ceremonies. It might save some money. It would definitely save time. And it could also save some headaches for p.r. people and lawyers. You never know what your awards show host might say on live TV, or even before the awards show. I'm looking at you, Kevin Hart.

If there's one thing awards show producers like to avoid, it's controversy. Of course, no one can predict what the award winners themselves will say. I suppose that's one of the reasons we watch. The 92nd Academy Awards air Sunday, February 9th at 8:00 PM on ABC.