The Best and Worst Oscar Hosts
Hosting the Academy Awards is probably one of the more challenging gigs in entertainment. A great host can elevate the night with humor, charm, and memorable moments—while a bad one can turn the ceremony into an awkward disaster. Over the years, the Oscars have seen both triumphs and failures on the hosting stage with some hosts becoming legends, while others left audiences cringing. Here’s a look at the best and worst Oscar hosts.
Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal set the bar for Oscar hosts with his perfect blend of humor, musical numbers, and effortless charisma. Hosting nine times between 1990 and 2012, he delivered iconic opening montages and sharp monologues that kept audiences entertained.
Billy Crystal
Whether parodying nominated films or riding onto the stage as Hannibal Lecter, Crystal’s performances were always a highlight. His ability to poke fun at Hollywood while maintaining its dignity made him a fan favorite.
Billy Crystal's Opening Monologue 1993 Oscars, Oscars
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg became the first solo female host in 1994, bringing a fresh, fearless energy to the Oscars. Her costume changes and razor-sharp humor made her a standout, and she returned three more times.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY, Getty Images
Whoopi Goldberg
Whether appearing as Queen Elizabeth I or making bold political jokes, Goldberg wasn’t afraid to push boundaries. Her ability to balance humor and Hollywood prestige made her one of the Oscars’ most memorable hosts.
Whoopi Goldberg hosting the Oscars, Oscars
Bob Hope
Bob Hope holds the record for the most times hosting the Oscars, with 19 appearances from 1940 to 1978. His quick wit, Hollywood connections, and effortless delivery made him synonymous with the Academy Awards for decades.
The First Televised Oscars Opening in 1953, Oscars
Bob Hope
Hope’s playful jabs at Hollywood elites were lighthearted and endearing, never crossing into mean-spirited territory. His longevity as host proves how beloved he was by both audiences and the Academy.
Bob Hope's Opening Monologue 1975 Oscars, Oscars
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres’ 2014 hosting gig was light, fun, and audience-driven, making the show feel more inclusive. Her casual approach and interactive bits, like handing out pizza, made the night feel less formal and more engaging.
Ellen DeGeneres
Her famous star-studded selfie featuring A–listers like Meryl Streep and Bradley Cooper became the most retweeted photo of the time. DeGeneres proved that a host didn’t need to be flashy to leave a lasting impact.
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman brought Broadway flair to the Oscars in 2009, combining humor with spectacular musical numbers. His performance showcased his versatility as a singer, dancer, and comedian.
Hugh Jackman
Instead of relying on traditional stand-up monologues, Jackman embraced the spectacle of the Oscars. His dynamic opening number and charming stage presence made for an unforgettable night.
Hugh Jackman's Opening Number 81st Oscars, Oscars
Johnny Carson
As host five times between 1979 and 1984, Johnny Carson brought his signature wit and effortless charm to the Academy Awards. His monologues were sharp yet classy, making him one of the most respected hosts in Oscar history.
Johnny Carson
Carson never overstayed his welcome, keeping the ceremony moving with well-timed jokes and a relaxed demeanor. His ability to handle the unpredictable nature of live television made him a natural fit for the Oscars.
The Opening of the Academy Awards 1984 Oscars, Oscars
Steve Martin
Steve Martin’s dry wit and effortless comedic timing made him a standout host in 2001 and 2003. His jokes were in his signature sharp-but-never-mean-spirited tone—striking the perfect balance for an Oscar audience.
Brian Vander Brug, Getty Images
Steve Martin
With his sophisticated humor and relaxed delivery, Martin made hosting look easy. His ability to entertain without overshadowing the nominees solidified his place as one of the best.
Steve Martin's Opening Monologue 2003 Oscars, Oscars
Chris Rock
Chris Rock’s 2005 and 2016 hosting gigs were defined by his fearless approach to controversial topics. He addressed Hollywood’s diversity issues head-on, making his monologues both funny and thought-provoking.
Michael Caulfield Archive, Getty Images
Chris Rock
Rock’s ability to tackle serious topics without losing the audience is what makes him stand out. His sharp wit and fearless style ensured that his hosting gigs were anything but forgettable. Though, he may have learned to take a step back in 2022 after the infamous slapping incident with Will Smith.
Chris Rock's Opening Monologue, Oscars
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart brought political satire and intelligence to his two Oscar hosting gigs in 2006 and 2008. His sharp monologues added a fresh, modern edge to the ceremony.
Michael Caulfield, Getty Images
Jon Stewart
Despite his outsider status in Hollywood, Stewart’s humor resonated with both audiences and nominees. His ability to blend sharp commentary with self-awareness made him a memorable host.
Jon Stewart's Opening Monologue 2006 Oscars, Oscars
Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel has hosted multiple times, proving to be a reliable and entertaining choice. His ability to mix topical humor with respect for the ceremony keeps audiences engaged.
ABC, Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003-)
Jimmy Kimmel
In 2017, Kimmel handled the infamous Best Picture mix-up with professionalism and humor. His experience as a late-night host makes him a natural fit for Hollywood’s biggest night.
ABC, Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003-)
James Franco And Anne Hathaway
The 2011 Oscars aimed to appeal to a younger audience by pairing James Franco and Anne Hathaway. However, their starkly different energies made for a painfully awkward night.
James Franco and Anne Hathaway host the Oscars, Oscars
James Franco And Anne Hathaway
While Hathaway seemed to really try her best, it appears at some point Franco seemed completely disconnected, often appearing lethargic and disinterested. Their lack of chemistry resulted in one of the most criticized hosting performances in Oscar history.
James Franco and Anne Hathaway host the Oscars, Oscars
David Letterman
David Letterman’s 1995 hosting gig is best remembered for his infamous "Oprah-Uma" joke, which confused rather than amused the audience. His signature late-night humor didn't translate well to the formal setting of the Academy Awards.
David Letterman Hosts the Oscars in 1995, Oscars
David Letterman
While beloved on The Late Show, Letterman’s ironic and self-deprecating style clashed with the ceremony’s traditional tone. His performance felt out of place, making the night more uncomfortable than entertaining.
David Letterman Hosts the Oscars in 1995, Oscars
Seth MacFarlane
The Family Guy creator brought his brand of edgy, irreverent humor to the 2013 Oscars, but his jokes often missed the mark. His controversial musical number was widely criticized for being extraordinarily tone-deaf.
Seth MacFarlane 2013 OSCARS' Opening, RandomAccessMemes
Seth MacFarlane
While some appreciated his willingness to take risks, others found his humor mean-spirited and inappropriate for the occasion. MacFarlane’s hosting remains one of the most polarizing in Oscar history, and is likely to remain that way.
Seth MacFarlane 2013 OSCARS' Opening, RandomAccessMemes
Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase hosted the Oscars twice—and his 1987 show was a great success. However, his solo 1988 stint was disastrous. His mean-spirited jokes and aloof attitude alienated the audience, leaving many cringing rather than laughing.
Chevy Chase hosting the 59th Academy Awards, Oscars
Chevy Chase
His sarcastic humor failed to land in the more glamorous and celebratory atmosphere of the Oscars. The Academy never invited him back.
The Opening of the Academy Awards in 1988, Oscars
Neil Patrick Harris
Neil Patrick Harris seemed like a perfect fit for the Oscars, given his Broadway background and charisma. However, his 2015 hosting fell flat, with forced humor and a lack of spontaneity.
Oscars 2015 Neil Patrick Harris Best and Worst Hosting Moments, Clevver News
Neil Patrick Harris
His magic tricks and scripted jokes felt uninspired, and his attempt to replicate Ellen’s viral selfie moment with a locked briefcase gimmick was excruciatingly un-inspired.
Oscars 2015 Neil Patrick Harris Best and Worst Hosting Moments, Clevver News
Walter Matthau, Liza Minnelli, Dudley Moore, And Richard Pryor
The 1983 Oscars proved why opening musical numbers can be risky—especially when half the hosts don’t know what they’re doing. The star-studded quartet of Liza Minnelli, Dudley Moore, Richard Pryor, and Walter Matthau kicked off the night, but their performance quickly fell apart.
The Opening of the Academy Awards 1983 Oscars, Oscars
Walter Matthau, Liza Minnelli, Dudley Moore, And Richard Pryor
Minnelli’s professionalism nearly saved the show’s disastrous opening, but her co-hosts weren’t up to the task. Moore followed her lead, Pryor mumbled through his lines, and Matthau looked completely lost. Despite the extra star power, the ceremony got off to a disjointed and forgettable start.
The Opening of the Academy Awards 1983 Oscars, Oscars
Steve Martin And Alec Baldwin
A surprising addition as Steve Martin was already on the “best” list above; however, the 2010 Oscars, paired with Alec Baldwin as a co-host, fell flat. Despite their grand entrance atop a shimmering orb, the two lacked the chemistry needed to carry the night.
Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin's Opening Monologue 2010 Oscars, Oscars
Steve Martin And Alec Baldwin
Baldwin appeared nervous, while Martin struggled through awkwardly written jokes. Whether it was poor audio or genuine disinterest, the audience barely reacted, making the ceremony feel painfully… quiet.
Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin's Opening Monologue 2010 Oscars, Oscars
Wanda Sykes, Regina Hall, And Amy Schumer
The 2022 Oscars featured three hosts, but their lack of cohesion made for an uneven night. Their comedic styles clashed, and Schumer’s poorly timed racial joke fell flat, leaving many in the audience uncomfortable.
94th Oscars Opening Monologue with Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes, Oscars
Wanda Sykes, Regina Hall, And Amy Schumer
Despite the hosts’ shortcomings, the most memorable moment of the night wasn’t their fault. Will Smith’s shocking slap of Chris Rock stunned everyone, instantly overshadowing the rest of the show. The trio did their best to regain control, but the ceremony never fully recovered.
Will Smith slaps Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, SimonTime
The 1989 Hostless Oscars
The 1989 Academy Awards went without a host for the first time, but the real disaster was its chaotic opening number. A high-pitched Snow White, played by Eileen Bowman, awkwardly greeted front-row stars while dancers in high heels performed a can-can routine.
The 11 minutes that ruined Hollywood producer Allan Carr's career forever, DynapubsA
The 1989 Hostless Oscars
The spectacle only got worse as Hollywood legends like Roy Rogers and Vincent Price were paraded out for no clear reason. It all ended with Snow White and Rob Lowe—fresh off a scandal—singing a painful duet that even Disney publicly condemned with a lawsuit.
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