The Oscars are set to go ahead without a host for the first time ever, Variety reports.
According to the news outlet, the Academy will use a number of A-list stars to introduce segments and take part in 'starry skits', rather than relying on one host, as it has done in the past.
Variety goes on to say that the hosting will likely focus on the idea of music in film, due to the success of recent movies including A Star Is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody - both of which enjoyed success at the recent Golden Globes.
The unnamed show insider told Variety the move to use a team of hosts rather than one was made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences after Kevin Host stepped down following a resurfaced homophobic tweet from the actor and comedian.
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Announcing his decision to step down, Hart said in a statement: "I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year's Oscars....this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists. I sincerely apologise to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past." [sic].
In a follow-up video shared on Instagram, in which he explained why he wouldn't apologise, he added: "I chose to pass, I passed on the apology. The reason I chose to pass is because I've addressed this several times, this is not the first time this has come up, I've addressed this... I'm not going to continue to go back and tap into the days of old when I've moved on and I'm in a completely different space in my life.
"Regardless, Academy, I'm thankful and appreciative of the opportunity. If it goes away no harm no foul."
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Speaking on Good Morning America yesterday, Hart confirmed: "I'm not hosting the Oscars this year."
When asked if he would host in future, he added: "It's hard to predict what can happen."
The Awards are set to take place on 24 February and will air live around the globe; with just six weeks to go the team behind the event are said to be 'scrambling to line up talent'.
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When contacted by Variety, a spokesperson from the Academy refused to comment on who would be hosting the show or what format it would take this year.
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Topics: TV and Film