Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment, announced the news during a press conference for the Television Critics Association, saying, “The producers decided to wisely not have a host and have the presenters and the movies be the stars. That’s the best way to keep the show to a brisk three hours.”
Back in December, Hart originally shared the news on Twitter, writing, “I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year’s Oscar’s…this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists.”
His withdrawal came just two days after the comedian wrote a lengthy message on Instagram, celebrating his new role as host: “For years I have been asked if I would ever host the Oscars and my answer was always the same. I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s supposed to. I am so happy to say the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars.”
History at its finest.