(L-R) Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes will host the 94th Academy Awards. (Photo from Oscars.org)
The 94th Academy Awards will have three hosts for this year’s ceremony, said show producer Will Packer in an announcement Feb. 15.
Actor/comedian’s Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer and Regina Hall will share hosting duties for the Oscars telecast when it airs live on ABC March 27.
“This year’s show is all about uniting movie lovers. It’s apropos that we’ve lined up three of the most dynamic, hilarious women with very different comedic styles,” said Packer in a press release. “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!”
This is the first time since 2018 that the Oscars have had a host for the awards show and the first time since 1987 that they have had three individuals hosting together.
Sykes, who is openly gay, is an Emmy-winning writer, comedian, actor and producer. She is a creator, executive producer, writer and star of the comedy series “The Upshaws” and can be seen in the upcoming series “History of the World; Part II.” Her credits also include the stand-up special “Wanda Sykes: Not Normal,” “The Other Two” and “Monster-in-Law.”
She will be joined by Hall, best known for her roles in “Girls Trip,” the “Scary Movie” franchise and most recently the Hulu miniseries “Nine Perfect Strangers,” and Schumer, who has starred in such features as “The Humans,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Trainwreck,” which she also wrote.
“Imagine having one of the funniest women in comedy today hosting the Oscars… Now, multiply that by three,” said Craig Erwich, president of Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, in the release. “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.”
The Academy also announced that this year will include a Fan Favorite award where fans can vote using the hashtag #OscarsFanFavorite on Twitter to pick their favorite film of 2021. The winner of Fan Favorite film will be announced during the Oscar telecast. Movie fans have until March 3 to vote. The Academy will also select three individuals who vote in the new category to receive an all-expense-paid trip to the Oscars in 2023.
The Academy is working hard to make this year’s award show a must-watch event after suffering its lowest ratings last year with just over 10 million viewers.
This year’s Oscar nominations are led by the Netflix film “The Power of the Dog,” a western drama about a closeted gay rancher who torments his brother’s new wife and her son, with 12 including Best Picture, Best Director and four acting nominations.
The 94th Academy Awards will air live March 27 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
