Will Ricky Gervais Ever Be Allowed to Host the Oscars?

As of 2023, there hasn't been any official indication that Ricky Gervais would be invited to host the Oscars. The decision to invite a host involves various factors, including the desired tone of the ceremony and the preferences of the Academy and its audience. While it's always possible for the Academy to change their approach and invite Gervais in the future, there are currently no such plans or announcements.

Why Gervais's Involvement is Questionable

The Oscars seem to be selectively allergic to good ratings, reaching for humor that might be well-received, but often falls flat. Many viewers would tune in to see Gervais's unique sharp wit and biting humor, but Hollywood's more delicate nature might be better served by events like the Golden Globes. According to popular opinion, the Oscars are too important an event to risk Gervais's sharp tongued and edgy humor, which might be too much for the audience to handle.

Reasons Against Inviting Ricky Gervais

There are several reasons why Gervais might not be the ideal choice for the Oscars. One factor is that he is so closely associated with the Golden Globes. Hiring him would imply that the Academy acknowledges the success of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the organization behind the Golden Globes, in finding a successful emcee. The Academy does not want to be seen as endorsing or even indirectly admitting the existence of the HFPA that runs a competing awards show, which has garnered more entertainment value in recent years due largely to Gervais's hosting.

Another reason is that Gervais's style, which works well at the Golden Globes, may not translate well to the Oscars. The Golden Globes are often seen as a free-spirited, alcohol-fueled party, where spontaneity and humor reign. In contrast, the Oscars take themselves very seriously, and the audience members do too. Making jokes that are both impactful in the room and translate well on television can be a tough balance for any host. While Gervais excels at mocking egos, he may not be skilled at celebrating achievements in a way that resonates with the audience.

Cultural Sensitivity Concerns

Recent years have seen a push for greater cultural sensitivity, and Gervais's recent efforts to punch down, particularly targeting trans people, may not align with the Academy's values. The Oscars, with their prestigious and competitive nature, are held to higher standards and are often monitored for political correctness. This sensitivity is why some controversial hosts, such as Kevin Hart, have been scrubbed from consideration. Finding a host who can be both funny and non-offensive is extremely challenging.

A key reason why the Academy might choose to avoid Gervais is the success of the host-less model. The 2023 Oscars were largely praised for their performance, especially with the absence of a host. This success might lead the Academy to continue with this approach, preferring to avoid the potential PR headaches that come with hosting controversies. The irony is that while the Golden Globes have long experimented with a host-less format, the Academy was hesitant to adopt it until recently, and when they did, it led to mixed results. This year's host-less Oscars demonstrated that it could work, potentially influencing future decisions.

The Academy has taken a cue from the Golden Globes, which has been host-less for decades before bringing back Gervais. The Golden Globes have recovered from their host-less years and have returned to success with Gervais hosting for the fifth time, illustrating that the model can work effectively when executed well.

In conclusion, while there is always a possibility of change, the current factors suggest that Gervais's involvement with the Oscars might be unlikely for the foreseeable future. The show, with its high stakes and heightened sensitivity, may continue to prioritize a host-less format to ensure it meets the high standards expected by both the audience and the Academy.