12 LGBTQIA+ actors who’d be a better Oscars host than Kevin Hart

No matter who hosts the Oscars this year, we know it will not be Kevin Hart… and it honestly should be one of these 12 incredible LGBTQIA+ actors.

Awards season is officially underway now that the Golden Globes have come and gone. And while there is usually some controversy, typically it comes from the snubs and losses, rather than problems with the host of an awards show. This year, however, the Oscars has faced controversy due to old tweets by Kevin Hart (who was supposed to host the awards ceremony). The tweets were homophobic in nature and resurfaced following the announcement Hart would host the Academy Awards.

As of now, Hart has officially stepped down from the role, leaving the Academy to scramble to find a replacement. While there was some talk of potentially bringing the comedian back after what some consider a lackluster apology, officially the most iconic awards show of the year is currently without a host. (Sandra Bullock’s idea is looking pretty good, alongside ours).

Considering the reason Kevin Hart is no longer hosting the show comes from homophobic tweets in his past, we think it would make perfect sense for the Academy to switch things up a bit and go with an actor or actress who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Not only would it further show that they do not approve of what the former host said (even in the past), but it would be a nice way to give representation during an awards show that struggles with that often.

Representation matters and with these 12 potential hosts, the Academy would show the world that they are trying to make a difference.

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 21: Actor Sean Hayes attends the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on January 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 27522_011 (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Turner)

Sean Hayes

If the Oscars are looking for a star who can pull off elaborate numbers, with music and dancing, then they need look no further than Will and Grace actor Sean Hayes. He is a triple threat in the very best ways thanks to his acting, singing, and dancing abilities. And we really believe he would be able to give us the heart and humor the awards ceremony needs and deserves.

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 30: Kate McKinnon attends the American Museum Of Natural History’s 2017 Museum Gala at American Museum of Natural History on November 30, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon is a queen of comedy thanks to her SNL background, as well as her roles in movies like The Spy Who Dumped Me and Ghostbusters. She has proven that she knows how to deliver the humor, while still being able to be serious. And considering she even poked fun at the whole Oscars host situation in a skit on SNL, we would definitely appreciate the irony of having her become the new host.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JANUARY 06: Laverne Cox attends the 2019 InStyle and Warner Bros. 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards Post-Party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 6, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for InStyle)

Laverne Cox

With her skill set, passionate activism, and ability to break ground, Laverne Cox would be an excellent choice to host the Oscars. And after being praised for her performance in the 2016 remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, we know that Cox is able to take on any role, with grace, humor, and pizzazz.

LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 20: Comedian/actor Billy Eichner speaks during a rally at the Culinary Workers Union Hall Local 226 featuring former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden as they campaign for Nevada Democratic candidates on October 20, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Early voting for the midterm elections in Nevada begins today. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Billy Eichner

Billy Eichner is a comic actor who has his pulse on the beat. He knows what is happening in the world, has the ability to make us laugh, but knows how to be serious when needed as well. If ever there was an unexpected, but perfect choice for an Oscars host, we would have to choose Eichner.

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 05: Margaret Cho performs on stage during the National Night Of Laughter And Song event hosted by David Lynch Foundation at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on June 5, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for David Lynch Foundation)

Margaret Cho

Having Margaret Cho host the Oscars would actually be a good fit for her considering she has already navigated the tricky waters of an awards sketch back in 2015. She has the ability to shock a crowd, while also knowing exactly what topics to touch on and which to perhaps avoid. Do we think the Academy would choose Cho? Probably not, but we’re here for it if it does happen.

SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 21: Actor and event MC John Barrowman introduces the band playing the Fandom Powered by Wikia/ Mafia III Comic -Con party at Float at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego on July 21, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images for Fandom)

John Barrowman

As fans of Doctor Who and Torchwood, we simply had to add John Barrowman to our Oscars hosting wish list. The actor is a multi-faceted entertainer with just the right sense of comedic timing, who can also be serious. From his many appearances at conventions, it is clear that he has a stage presence that cannot be beat and we think he could hold his own as an awards show host.

STUDIO CITY, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 05: Actress Jane Lynch visits ‘The IMDb Show’ on November 5, 2018 in Studio City, California. This episode of ‘The IMDb Show’ airs on November 21, 2018. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for IMDb)

Jane Lynch

Having already been the host of the Emmys back in 2011, it feels like a nice progression to have Jane Lynch step up for the Oscars. Not only has she already proven that she can lead a major awards show, but she is a brilliant actress who can command a stage as easily as she can a screen.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 19: Matt Bomer attends the GLSEN Respect Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on October 19, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for GLSEN)

Matt Bomer

Another solid contender (at least in my eyes) is Matt Bomer. Not only does he have the acting chops, but he has also been able to command a stage, even if that stage was on Broadway. He has the charisma we expect from an Oscars host, while also being able to bring wit and humor to the situation.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – APRIL 12: Wanda Sykes attends the 29th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on April 12, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Wanda Sykes

If the Academy is looking for a legend in the comedy business to host the Oscars, then they need look no further than Wanda Sykes. Her voice and style of humor is well-known and respected, and we know she could keep us entertained for hours (which is good with how long these awards show seem to last).

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 19: Neil Patrick Harris speaks on stage during The 77th Annual Peabody Awards Ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street on May 19, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images for Peabody)

Neil Patrick Harris

If ever there was a choice that seemed destined for greatness, having Neil Patrick Harris as the host of the Oscars seems like the perfect decision. He is legendary in so many ways, with an amazing sense of comedic timing, the ability to command attention, and of course a presence that is enough to steal the show. Plus he’s handled award shows like the Emmys and the Tonys, and stole the show at the Oscars in 2010.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JANUARY 06: Billy Porter attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 6, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Billy Porter

At the Golden Globes, Billy Porter was a scene stealer thanks to his red carpet look. And he has proven that he can hold his own as Broadway star, with comedy, and of course in more serious roles. As someone who can steal the show in many ways, we can totally picture him giving the Academy exactly what they need to get past the drama of Kevin Hart’s tweets.

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 28: Lily Tomlin speaks onstage at the 13th Annual Outfest Legacy Awards Vibiana on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images)

Lily Tomlin

After hitting the 2017 Emmys stage with Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton, we think Lily Tomlin could be a great choice for the Oscars stage. She has a long history in the industry, she has no problem calling out hypocrisy, and of course, she has the ability to be funny and serious as needed.

Whether or not the Oscars find a host or decide to go without one, we think it would be a great idea if they thought about representation moving forward.

Who do you think should host the Oscars this year? Let us know in the comments!