Photo: Forbes

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences continues the hunt for a 2019 host after Kevin Hart’s departure.

The Academy—desperate for a plan B—is considering going without a host next year and opting for an ensemble of celebrities instead. A top comedy agent of the Academy told The Root, “They’re freaking out.”

The planners behind the award show were considering late-night hosts before viewership dropped in last year’s installment.

Kevin Hart gave up the role just one day after accepting it when past homophobic tweets from 2009 and 2010 resurfaced from his account. The Academy requested Hart apologize, but he explained on Instagram that he’s already addressed the tweets and won’t do it again. Hart said, “We’re feeding the Internet trolls, and we reward them. I’m not going to do it, man. I’m going to be me. I’m going to stand my ground.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrEjHFCFe83/

He later announced his resignation on Twitter, saying “I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from the past.”

The Academy will release the nominations for the Academy Awards on Tuesday, Jan. 22 while the show will air live on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, Feb. 24.

h/t The Root

About the author

Victoria Rosenthal

Victoria Rosenthal

Victoria Rosenthal is an editorial/office assistant at Adventure Publishing Group. She helps the office with its day-to-day needs, whether that's contributing and editing content for the The Toy Book, The Toy Insider, and The Pop Insider, helping manage Adventure Publishing Group's social media accounts, or setting up hundreds of toys! Scouting and testing out awesome new board and card games with friends is Victoria's jam, but hand her a PlayStation controller during a game of Crash Bandicoot, and don’t expect to get a turn. Don't forget to say, “Hello!” when you call the office!

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