With an awards show as old as the Oscars, the sheer variety of hosts is overwhelming. The Academy Awards have been around for 92 years at this point, and with each new show attempts to grow and adapt to the changing landscape of Hollywood.
The past two ceremonies have seen the show go by without a host, with multiple celebrities introducing award presenters throughout the program. The show is certainly missing its glory days, so why not look back to some of the best hosts the show has had to offer over the course of 9 decades?
Jon Stewart
Hosting two years in total, Jon Stewart is an interesting case study in both how to and how not to host the beloved awards show. His first run in 2006 was met with a lukewarm reception, noting that his presentation style was a bit stiff and awkward for such a glorious night.
But upon his return in 2008, Stewart came back far more confident and assured, letting the jokes fly. His presence as a comedic pundit during the election of that year left him far more beloved and relevant at the time. His appropriate jabs towards the treatment of members of the Screen Writers Guild made him feel like a perfect intermediary between audience and awards.
Ellen DeGeneres
In recent years, Ellen DeGeneres' public opinion has gone through an ebb and flow. Currently, it is in a bit of a low favor, but back in 2014, she was everyone's favorite daytime host and comedian. Her stint as host in 2014, her second time at the gig, resulted in one of the more memorable moments in the show's history.
The selfie seen around the world remains a funny but simple gimmick, featuring actors from all walks of entertainment. Other highlights included free pizza handed out to the audience, and the blend of self-aware humor that you'd expect from DeGeneres.
Jimmy Kimmel
One of the most well-liked contemporary late-night hosts, Jimmy Kimmel has followed in the footsteps of those before and hosted the Oscars twice. First in 2017 and secondly in 2018, Kimmel brought his signature blend of everyman humor to the show.
Kimmel worked best when he played it safer, highlighting the influential films of the past years and letting tourists into the ceremony. When he got more political, many viewers found it pandering and unnecessary. Instead of feeling like a smart critique, it felt more like yelling into an echo chamber.
Chris Rock
Chris Rock made a small appearance this year, opening the Oscars with a monologue alongside another former host, Steve Martin. It was a welcome start to an awkward ceremony and one that harkened back to both presenter's runs at hosting.
Rock was a solid choice for host, bringing his iconic stand-up persona to Hollywood's biggest night. Rock spared no expense, embracing the movement of "Oscars So White" and holding the academy accountable. His personality brought a sense of warmth and familiarity that made the jabs feel earned and not mean spirited.
Hugh Jackman
There are three types of presenters: The comedians, the awkward actor, and the showmen. Hugh Jackman fit into the third category. Bringing all the suave and grace he could, Jackman channeled his inner Gene Kelley when hosting the 2009 awards.
Jackman's song-and-dance persona was full of charisma, wit, and likability. His show went off without much of a hitch in comparison to similar hosts' like Neil Patrick Harris. Although comedians are the more popular choice, Jackman's take on hosting duties took you back to the majesty of classic Hollywood.
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg hosted the show four times in total, marking herself as the first woman and woman of color host, as well as the first woman to host multiple times. There are few people who dislike Whoopi and her brand of comedic showmanship.
Her shows were filled with tons of jokes and just as many costume changes. Unlike the standard tuxedo, Whoopi appeared in elaborate costumes that would harken to the films being honored that year. She fit perfectly into the era of the mid to late nineties.
Steve Martin
Steve Martin is one of the most beloved American comedians of all time. His stand-up has entertained adults all over the world, while his work in family films has made him a figure for younger audiences as well.
Martin hosted solo once before and brought his laid back personality to the show in a perfect way. A natural showman, he was able to roll with any of the punches that a live telecast threw at him. Though he is not a big presence today as he was a few years back, having him return alongside Chris Rock was a welcome sight.
Johnny Carson
Johnny Carson has hosted 5 times in total, holding a run from 1979 - 1982, and returning a few years later. It's hard to imagine a scenario where Carson would be a bad host. For years, he was the king of late-night television.
His experience as a host made him the perfect fit and gave him a rapport with stars and directors that few other hosts had ever had before him. While at this point he might seem outdated to some younger audiences, his impact remains the gold standard (just ask the LA Times).
Bob Hope
Although he doesn't hold the top spot on this list, Bob Hope remains the king of the Oscars hosting legacy, standing as the longest-running host in the show's history. A whopping 19 Oscars ceremonies were hosted by Hope, either solo or as part of a duo.
The template for what an Oscars host should be was created by Hope, combining the right amount of humor and reverence towards this industry we all love. His work is so beloved, the Academy awarded him a special award for his service.
Billy Crystal
While Hope invented what a host should be, Billy Crystal perfected it. Having hosted 9 times in total, Crystal remains the perfect host for the awards ceremony. When he first began hosting, he coasted off the lovable success of his role in When Harry Met Sally.
His later gigs though soon transformed him into a figure beloved by all ages thanks to his role in Monsters Inc. Everyone recognized Billy for his signature wit and goofiness, and he always got the biggest laughs of any host. He remains the best of all the classic Oscar hosts.