20 celebrities we'd love to see host award shows

Regina Hall has been a veteran in Hollywood for nearly three decades. She’s primarily known for her roles in films such as The Best Man, Love & Basketball, Think Like a Man, Scary Movie, One Battle After Another, and more. She’s proven that along with her acting chops, she has the comedic timing that is needed for a host. In the past, Hall has been tapped as a co-host for the Academy Awards and host for the BET Awards. 

Colin Jost is a familiar face on NBC’s Saturday Night Live as he’s known as one of the co-anchors on the show’s "Weekend Update" segment. In addition to his SNL duties, he’s also the host of the game show Pop Culture Jeopardy. 

Issa Rae is an actor, producer, and writer who’s known for her roles in films such as The Photograph, Little, and starring in her show Insecure. When she’s not acting or writing, Rae can also be seen moderating events that highlight other entertainers in Hollywood. Although she hasn’t hosted an award show just yet, her talent for being naturally funny and her passion for advocating for other creators, proves that she could be an audience favorite.

Not too many people in the entertainment industry can say they’re talented across different mediums, unless you’re someone like Donald Glover. He’s a man of many titles, such as actor, director, rapper, and comedian. For someone who’s won a few Emmy Awards and Golden Globes, fans could be in for a real treat if Glover gets tapped to host one of these prestigious shows. 

Some people might recognize Maya Rudolph as the former Saturday Night Live cast member who was known for impersonating figures such as Oprah, Beyoncé, and Kamala Harris. In addition to her work on  SNL, she’s acted in film including 50 First Dates, Bridesmaids, Grown Ups, The Angry Birds Movie, and more. Although she’s never hosted an awards show before, she has appeared in awards show segments alongside Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.  

Over the last few years, actor Chris Perfetti has become a fan favorite portraying Jacob on ABC’s comedy series Abbott Elementary. His quirkiness along with his jokes has fans believing that Perfetti's own personality might be closer to his character than people realize. 

There’s no doubt about it that Kenan Thompson was made to perform in front of a live audience, it’s no wonder he’s the longest-tenured cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Between his comedic chops and improv skills, his talent helped him land hosting gigs previously for the People’s Choice Awards and the Primetime Emmy Awards. 

Over the last six years, Trevor Noah has been the host of the annual Grammy Awards. Although he initially planned on ending his Grammy hosting duties back in 2025, the Recording Academy producers begged Noah to host it one last time as they felt no other entertainer brings the hosting chops like he does. While his Grammy Awards run is over, that’s not to say other award shows wouldn’t leap at the chance to ask him to take another hosting gig. 

As an actor, comedian, and musician, Jack Black not only has the talent, but also the perfect personality to host an award show. Viewers would easily get Black acting out skits, engaging with the audience, and possibly a musical number. 

KevOnStage is the type of multihyphenate who does it all. From hosting the podcast Not My Best Moment, to creating and starring in the BET+ comedy series Churchy, and touring the world with his comedy shows, KevOnStage is the type of entertainer who knows how to keep an audience engaged.

Due to Pete Davidson’s work on shows like MTV’s Wild ‘n Out and NBC’s Saturday Night Live, he brings the comedic timing and slight awkwardness that fans love. There were rumors that he was selected to host the Oscars back in 2022, however, that didn’t come to fruition, but perhaps the opportunity will come in the future. 

In addition to his acting roles in films such as Drumline, Roll Bounce, and Love Don’t Cost a Thing, Nick Cannon has hosted several shows including The Masked Singer, America’s Got Talent, and his own Wild ‘n Out. With his comedic chops and innate ability to relate to audiences and castmates, it’s honestly surprising he’s hosted very few award shows such as the Teen Choice Awards. 

Keegan-Michael Key wears many hats including actor, comedian, writer, and producer. Throughout his career, he’s been known for his roles on sketch series such as Mad TV and Key & Peele, as well as sitcoms such as Playing House and Friends from College. He’s also held several hosting opportunities including the NFL Honors and the Peabody Awards.

Some people may recognize Matt Rife as a former cast member on MTV’s improv show Wild ‘n Out, while others recognize him from his Netflix comedy special Natural Selection. With Rife’s innate ability to engage with his crowd, he would be a solid choice to host an award show. 

As an actor and a singer, Billy Porter was made for the stage, and he’s notably known for starring in the series Pose. It’s no wonder he’s won several accolades such as an Emmy Award and a Tony Award. With his previous work on Broadway, he’s a master at commanding an audience and giving people theater magic. Not to mention that if he was called to host an award show, he’s going to be adorned in the finest fashions. 

There’s a reason why Keke Palmer’s fans often refer to her as Keke “Keeps a Job” Palmer. From actress, to singer, to TV host, she literally does it all. Palmer is no stranger to the hosting world, in the past she’s hosted the game show Password, sketch shows like Saturday Night Live, as well as award ceremonies including the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards and the 2023 Soul Train Awards.

Entertainers who come from the improv world typically make great hosts. Not only do they know how to engage with their audience, but they’re also quick thinkers that can ensure that things run smoothly. Mikey Day started his career on the improv show MTV’s Wild ‘n Out and several years later, he transitioned from show writer to cast member on Saturday Night Live. 

Some people may recognize Scott Evans as an anchor on Access Hollywood, while others may know him as the host for the dance competition show World of Dance, and some may know him as the host of his YouTube show House Guest. Not only is Evans well respected by some of the best in Hollywood, but he has a knack for bringing relatability and a sense of comfort out of his guests and audiences. 

Janelle James first started her career as a stand-up comedian, one of her first big breaks came in 2017 when she opened for Chris Rock’s Total Blackout tour. Since then, she’s hosted several podcasts and was a staff writer for the late-night talk show The Rundown with Robin Thede. Over the last few years, she’s gained wider recognition with her portrayal of Principal Ava Coleman on Abbott Elementary.

Timothee Chalamet is an actor known for his roles in films such as Call Me By Your Name, A Complete Unknown, Beautiful Boy, and Marty Supreme. In addition to being one of the hottest names in Hollywood, he’s also had his fair share of hosting duties. Over the last few years, he’s hosted Saturday Night Live three times, so it’s no secret he's a favorite among viewers.