There's a Theory That Whoopi Goldberg Is the Secret Oscars Host Whoopi Goldberg has been absent from her regular hosting duties on 'The View,' leading many to speculate that she is the secret host of the Academy Awards. @peterknegt, via Twitter @peterknegt, via Twitter The 2019 Oscars are still officially without a host for the second time in history. Goldberg was the first woman to solo host the awards in 1994, and she hosted again in 1996, 1999 and 2002. Kevin Hart was named host in December, but he stepped down amid backlash over his past homophobic comments. The 91st Academy Awards will be broadcast by ABC this Sunday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. EST.