Earlier this week, you may have seen that both Jimmy Kimmel and John Mulaney reportedly declined offers to host the Oscars next March.
While Jimmy has hosted four times previously, hopes were high that John might make his debut as the Oscars’ emcee after he put on an impressive show while hosting the 14th annual Governors Awards in January.
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The reports of John’s decision to turn down the offer quickly prompted a lot of disappointment online. And with no new host to speak of, I thought it might boost morale to scour the internet for potential replacements.
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The large majority of the candidates below were suggested in response to a callout shared by @FilmUpdates on X. Of course, some suggestions are more serious than others, but by the looks of things, the Academy is pretty spoilt for choice.
So, without further ado…
1.Jennifer Lawrence
One post on X suggesting Jen as the next host has over 71,000 likes, which says it all. She’s an Oscar winner and undeniably hilarious.
At this year’s Golden Globes, J.Law stole the show with just one look at the camera — she’s got the charisma and comedic timing on lock. She also delivered an incredible opening monologue when she guest-hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! a few years ago, so I know she’s got it in her.
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2. The Muppets
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As you may have seen, there’s been a ton of demand for this one, and I get it! Imagine the musical numbers? A segment where Kermit the Frog interviews guests in the audience?
I also have a feeling that Martin Scorsese would especially love it — and that’s what matters, right?
3.The cast of Challengers
If the Oscars need to be livened up in 2025, they could do worse than playing the Challengers soundtrack and letting Zendaya, Josh O’Connor, and Mike Faist hit a ball around on stage between categories. I’d tune in.
They’ve already proven they have serious chemistry, and if we’re in luck, these three should probably be there anyway if Challengers manages to nab a few nominations.
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4.Amelia Dimoldenberg
Amelia is the icon who brought us Chicken Shop Date and that beloved Andrew Garfield interview (which I still watch regularly). She also hosted the Oscars red carpet last year, so she has some great experience.
One fan post on X reads, "i would give anything to have this queen host the oscars," and honestly, I see the vision.
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5.Andy Samberg
Go and watch his 2015 Emmys hosting gig, and tell me you don’t think this is a genius suggestion. If Andy gets the job, we can pretty much guarantee a Lonely Island-esque musical performance.
On top of that, seven years as a Saturday Night Live cast member will have supplied him with all the skills to thrive on a live broadcast. Sign him up, ABC — he's already said he'd do it!
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6.Al Pacino
Four words: “My eyes see Oppenheimer.” Last year was the test run. Now, the fans want to see Al take it to the next level.
“just throw him out there with no prep and see what happens,” one X user wrote, amassing over 25,000 likes. That’d definitely keep viewers on their toes.
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7.Hugh Jackman (again)
Hugh’s résumé speaks for itself — he’s hosted the Tony Awards four times and the Oscars once before in 2009, where he impressed the audience with a memorable musical number.
He is literally the Greatest Showman, and with Deadpool & Wolverine looking set to be one of the hit films of the summer, I could definitely see the Academy giving him the call-up to entice some Marvel fans.
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8.Ayo Edebiri and Jeremy Allen White
Yes, chef. Need I say more? (Extra points if they do a bit in character as Sydney and Carmy).
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9.Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix
These two seemingly had a great time shooting their new Joker movie together, so why not keep the momentum going?
Gaga and Joaquin are already getting early Oscar buzz for their performances in Joker: Folie à Deux, so they’ll likely be in attendance anyway. As previous winners, they’re no strangers to the Academy Awards, and if there’s one thing we know about Gaga, she’s guaranteed to put on a show.
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10.Stanley Tucci in character as Caesar Flickerman from The Hunger Games
This one might come as a surprise, but it’s what the people are asking for. The fashion. The charisma. The potential for a Jennifer Lawrence cameo. Once we locate a purple wig and a metallic suit, it’s over for everyone else on this list.
The only setback is that Stanley looks like he might receive an Oscar nomination for his performance in Conclave, which could make things slightly complicated on the night. But let’s not rule it out!
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11.Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell
They are SNL legends and masters of live comedy. It’s a recipe for success.
During their two-and-a-half-minute presenting slot at the Golden Globes in January, Will and Kristen delivered some of the funniest TV I’ve seen in years (watch for yourself and tell me I’m wrong). Imagine what they could do in three hours? The possibilities are endless.
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And as for my personal suggestion? I’d like to see Glen Powell and his dog Brisket do the job. If last year’s Oscars proved anything, it’s that Hollywood loves a talented pup. And besides, it is Hot Glen Summer, after all.
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Let me know your ideas in the comments section!
