The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences revealed the presenters for the eight Best Picture nominees this morning and, frankly, it’s a bit underwhelming. Oscars producers Donna Gigliotti and Glenn Weiss had publicly noted they wanted to bring in “movie lovers” from outside the industry to introduce a nominee that meant something special to them. That has turned out to be partially the case.
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The eleven presenters include Chef José Andrés, Dana Carvey, Queen Latifah, Congressman John Lewis, Diego Luna, Tom Morello, Mike Myers, Trevor Noah, Amandla Stenberg, Barbra Streisand and Serena Williams. It’s likely that three films will have multiple presenters. “Wayne’s World” stars Carvey and Mike Myers are clearly doing “Bohemian Rhapsody” and the producers already noted that Williams is introducing “A Star is Born.” Streisand starred in the 1976 version of “A Star is Born” and could accompany Williams, but it’s possible she’s presenting another film. Diego Luna has been an outspoken champion of “Roma,” and sources tell us Queen Latifah is presenting “The Favourite.”
Amandla Stenberg was originally announced as a general presenter, but is now being segued to film introductions. That makes it sound like someone could not participate or it was difficult to find a presenter for one of the nominees.
It was also revealed that last year’s acting winners will mixup how they present this year’s awards. Instead of presenting the category they won or the alternate category, they will pair up for just the Best Actor and Best Actress prizes. Gary Oldman and Allison Janey will present Best Actor while Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell will present Best Actress.
Previously announced presenters include Elsie Fisher, Danai Gurira, Brian Tyree Henry, Michael B. Jordan, Michael Keaton, Helen Mirren, John Mulaney, Tyler Perry, Pharrell Williams, Krysten Ritter, Paul Rudd and Michelle Yeoh. Javier Bardem, Angela Bassett, Chadwick Boseman, Emilia Clarke, Laura Dern, Samuel L. Jackson, Stephan James, Keegan-Michael Key, KiKi Layne, James McAvoy, Melissa McCarthy, Jason Momoa and Sarah Paulson. Awkwafina, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Tina Fey, Brie Larson, Jennifer Lopez,, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Charlize Theron, Tessa Thompson and Constance Wu.
What’s much more interesting is the theory being floated by former Indewire writer Peter Knegt that none other than Whoopi Goldberg could be the show’s secret host. Goldberg, who hosted four times between 1994 and 2002, had been missing from her regular co-hosting slot on “The View” and had quickly mentioned after Kevin Hart dropped out she was willing to host. Goldberg was originally mentioned as a presenter and then dropped from the list in subsequent Academy releases which also fueled speculation. Goldberg’s longtime “View” co-host brought up the theory on this morning’s show and confirmed the Oscar-winner is still recovering from pneumonia.
Was your name mangled on @TheView this morning because you made up a conspiracy theory about Whoopi Goldberg hosting the Oscars that's probably not true. CAUSE MINE WAS! (also @MeghanMcCain it's KA-NET) pic.twitter.com/aY30lLoxRP
— Peter Knegt (@peterknegt) February 20, 2019
With four days until showtime, the unanswered questions are regarding Kendrick Lamar‘s participation in the Best Original Song presentation (no one seems to know) and who will present Best Picture.
The 91st Academy Awards will be broadcast live on Sunday, Feb 24 on ABC beginning at 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET.