After three years without a host, the Oscars are making up for lost time with three hosts for this year’s awards: Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes are set to host the 94th Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced on Tuesday (Feb. 15). The show is set to air live on ABC on March 27.
Variety reported Feb. 14 that the three stars were in final talks to host the show.
This will mark the first time in Oscar history that an all-female team will host the Oscars. It will also be the first time in Oscar history that two or more people of color (Hall and Sykes) have co-hosted in the same year.
“This year’s show is all about uniting movie lovers,” said film producer Will Packer, who is producing the show for the first time. “It’s apropos that we’ve lined up three of the most dynamic, hilarious women with very different comedic styles. I know the fun Regina, Amy and Wanda will be having will translate to our audience as well. Many surprises in store! Expect the unexpected!”
“We want people to get ready to have a good time. It’s been a while,” said Hall, Schumer and Sykes in a joint statement.
“We’re invigorated by Will’s vision for this year’s Oscars: celebrating movie lovers alongside moviemakers and spotlighting fan favorites that prove how cinema can unite us all,” said Academy President David Rubin and Academy CEO Dawn Hudson in a joint statement. “Hosting this star-studded party are three powerful, funny women inviting us to laugh and cheer for the year’s best and brightest in film.”
“Imagine having one of the funniest women in comedy today hosting the Oscars… Now, multiply that by three,” said Craig Erwich, president, Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment. “Regina, Amy and Wanda are comedy powerhouses who will make history as the first female trio to host the biggest night in entertainment, and we’re thrilled to have them at the helm to deliver an incredible show full of unforgettable moments and laughter.”
Reports say that each actor will be responsible for one hour of the three-hour broadcast.
Hall has been in several of Packer’s movies, including Think Like a Man and Little.
The show is hoping to rebound from the dismal viewership of last year’s broadcast, which was both an all-time low and the norm for pandemic-era awards shows. In addition to bringing back starry hosts and bumping the best picture nominees to a set 10, the Academy is also hoping to spike interest through social media voting for a “fan favorite” movie that will be announced during the show, as well as a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles for the ceremony.