Who should have hosted the 2019 Oscars?

The Oscars can’t get out of their own way. Between the “Popular Film” fiasco and the cutting of awards from the broadcast, there have been a few different messes. The biggest of them all, however, is the whole host issue. Hosting an awards show is something of a thankless task, and apparently this year there is nobody to take on that job for the Academy. After Kevin Hart had to step aside due to controversies over old jokes, the Oscars failed to name a new host. That’s despite the fact there are plenty of options. Sure, some of them might not actually have the slightest interest in hosting, but if they would accept the call, we’d love to see them emcee the Academy Awards this year.

1 of 20

Ellen DeGeneres

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We know Ellen has the hosting chops, not just because she’s had her own daytime talk show for ages, but also because she’s hosted award shows before, including the Oscars. Last time she hosted the Oscars, she was affable, if a little safe, which is what the Academy Awards want. Plus, she did the selfie thing that seemed to go over well on the internet.

2 of 20

Stephen Colbert

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Granted, the easy choice for award show host is to find some white guy who hosts a late night show and plug him in. That may be what Colbert is, but he’s also a comedic genius and an effortlessly charming host. Colbert is also willing to go political, which is something that makes sense in our current climate — and with “Vice” nominated.

3 of 20

James Corden

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If you want a safe choice, Corden is about as safe as it gets. He’s Jimmy Fallon with a British accent and a little more acting and performing chops. Corden can sing, and he’s willing to look goofy in a comedy bit. He’ll be game, which is a positive at times like this.

4 of 20

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey

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We know how this goes. Fey and Poehler captured hearts with their Golden Globes hosting appearances. This is a step up, but these two are up for it. Also, as dear friends we know they’ll have the chemistry to support each other in what can sometimes be a cold room. Neither of them will pull a James Franco.

5 of 20

Jordan Peele and Keegan Michael-Key

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Peele may not be nominated this year, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be a big part of the show. It’s been a few years since these two ended their sketch show on Comedy Central, and Peele is extremely busy behind the scenes with projects. But for one night we can reunite Key and Peele. Unfortunately, the time for a cameo from Liam Neeson as a comedy sketch has passed.

6 of 20

Tituss Burgess and Jane Krakowski

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Burgess and Krakowski are both hilarious, but they are also both boisterous personalities. They can both sing and have been on stage before. The former co-stars of “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” have the exact personalities to make an awards show lively and, dare we say it, fun.

7 of 20

Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh

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It would be a quick turnaround from this year’s Golden Globes, but Samberg and Oh did well hosting that night. That was despite the fact they didn’t really know each other all that well at that point. Now that they’ve done it before, they should be even better at it. Also, you know Samberg will get Lonely Island involved for a song.

8 of 20

John Mulaney and Nick Kroll

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Mulaney could honestly do this himself. He’s a great standup, but he has the kind of personality and delivery that makes him feel like the old-school style of comedian who used to host award shows. Kroll, however, provides a great foil to Mulaney. Bonus points if Gil and George show up, and double bonus points if somebody gets too much tuna.

9 of 20

Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson

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You want to get a younger audience for the Oscars? Radcliffe and Watson could make that happen. The former stars of the Harry Potter movies, these two are still big names but not implausible as hosts. They would have clear rapport, and they both seem charming. After all, these two grew up in showbiz. They know what they are doing.

10 of 20

Ben Mankiewicz and Alicia Malone

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If you want to pay tribute to movies and filmmaking, how about a couple of TCM hosts? Unfortunately, Robert Osborne is no longer with us — he would have been perfect — but Mankiewicz is a fine fit as well. Malone is a newer host on TCM, but she should be up to the task as well. Granted, you would probably also end up with an Oscars telecast the polar opposite of one hosted by Radcliffe and Watson, but it would be a boon for cinephiles.

11 of 20

Trevor Noah

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Jon Stewart he is not, but Noah could still be the host. He’s not as ingrained in American pop culture as Stewart was when he hosted the “Daily Show,” but that may be a good thing. Noah is also a standup, so he knows how to work a crowd, and an outsider’s perspective could shake the show up.

12 of 20

Sarah Silverman

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It feels almost odd that Silverman hasn’t done this before. She’s been a big star for years as both a standup and an actress. Silverman may be up to poke some fun at the audience as well, kind of like Ricky Gervais at the Globes but without the self-satisfaction. She’s also gotten more political in recent years, another point in her favor.

13 of 20

Neil Patrick Harris

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Harris hosted before, and it was merely all right. Also, he apparently doesn’t know who Rachel Bloom is. That being said, he’s done a lot of hosting, he’s a song-and-dance man and he even knows a bit of magic. Maybe this time around things will go better. Second time’s a charm.

14 of 20

Meryl Streep

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Look, why not just let an icon run the show? Do you think anybody would dare to criticize Streep? She’s a living legend and an Oscars mainstay. Plus, she usually seems charming in interviews. Her monologue may not be a laugh riot, but she could be a pleasant presence throughout the night and would emanate warmth.

15 of 20

Jeff Bridges

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Bridges is in the same boat as Streep, but he’s a more natural fit as a host. The Dude is takin’ it easy with gusto, and he just oozes charm. Bridges can be funny, even when he’s not trying to be, and it would be kind of fascinating to see him host. He may never get another nomination, but he could make a splash running the night.

16 of 20

Samantha Bee

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If you want political, Sam Bee will get political. She will spare no feelings and go for the throat. Granted, the audience in the theater will be largely amenable to her liberal leanings, but that will help keep the theater lively. She’s great, and she will be willing to point out the issues in the film industry that still need to be addressed.

17 of 20

Jamie Foxx

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Foxx is an Oscar winner and a movie star, but he’s not afraid of a hosting gig. After all, he has been on that “Beat Shazam” show on FOX. This would be a step up from that, but Foxx should be up to the task.

18 of 20

Tiffany Haddish

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Hart may be out, but his buddy Haddish could step right into the role. She’s a huge star at her peak, so why not strike while the iron is hot? Haddish has a ton of energy and will bring the heat. She’s the kind of professional who will give it her all and probably be excited to do it.

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Kate McKinnon

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McKinnon is just a straight-up weirdo, which would frankly be a feature, not a bug. She’s professional enough to not go off the rails, but she would keep it interesting. Also, when was the last time somebody who was so adept at playing characters was the host? Give her some time to get in and out of costumes and makeup, and it could make for a fascinating night.

20 of 20

Michael Che and Colin Jost

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“Saturday Night Live” is a good breeding ground for hosts. That includes Che and Jost, who have hosted Weekend Update for some time. Obviously they have a rapport, and they know how to work with each other. They are used to delivering monologue jokes and moving a show along. We would know what to expect from Che and Jost, but right now the Oscars would probably love that. Frankly, they might love anybody who could be a host.

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