Tom Holland Just Improved His Chances of Hosting This Year's Oscars

By Aeron Mer Eclarinal Updated:
Tom Holland, the Oscars logo

Tom Holland is one of the staples of the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the moment. The young star made his MCU debut as Spider-Man during 2016's Captain America: Civil War, joining forces with Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man to face off against Chris Evans' Captain America. After his impactful Civil War appearance, Holland went on to star in several more MCU projects such as Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame

Aside from crossovers with Earth's Mightiest Heroes, the Marvel actor also led his own trilogy, starting off with Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and now, Spider-Man: No Way Home. Despite capping off his trilogy, Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures have confirmed that Holland is back for more projects, essentially cementing that his superhero future is bright.

Holland's popularity has skyrocketed ever since he became the MCU's Spider-Man. Endgame director Joe Russo even admitted that the young actor seems poised to fill the void that Downey left after his exit in the Infinity Saga. 

Now, in the midst of No Way Home's box office and critical success, a significant update about Holland's career has emerged outside of the MCU.

Tom Holland as Next Oscars Host?

Spider-Man, Oscars
Marvel

In December, Spider-Man: No Way Home lead star Tom Holland expressed interest in hosting the 2022 Oscars. Holland's comments seemingly hit the right ears in Hollywood, as The Hollywood Reporter revealed that The Academy has now reached out to the Marvel star "to explore that possibility" of a hosting gig.

It's worth noting that the Oscars had no host in 2019, 2020, and 2021, and the awards were handed out by celebrity presenters. 

ABC Entertainment & Hulu Originals president Craig Erwich, via Variety, announced that the Oscars will have a host during ABC’s portion of the winter Television Critics Association virtual press tour, but he didn't specify who it might be. 

Late Night show host Jimmy Kimmel served as the last host of the Academy Awards back in 2017 and 2018. Other hosts in previous years include Chris Rock (2016), Neil Patrick Harris (2015), Ellen DeGeneres (2014), Seth MacFarlane (2013), Billy Crystal (2012), and James Franco/Anne Hathaway (2011). 

The Oscars is set to air on ABC on March 27, 2022. 

Tom Holland's Non-Marvel Career 

This latest update about Tom Holland should serve as a fitting reminder of the actor's impressive non-Marvel career. Aside from his Spider-Man portrayals, Holland also had impressive performances in films like The Devil All The Time and Cherry. If Holland goes on to host the Oscars, then it would only add to his accolades as both an actor and performer. 

It's worth pointing out that the ratings for the Oscars dipped slightly, with the 2021 edition losing more than half of its audience. It's possible that Holland's involvement could help the awards show in the ratings department, mainly because he is one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood today. 

The Oscars job is one of Hollywood's most coveted hosting gigs, but controversy blemished it back in 2019. Ride Along star Kevin Hart was supposed to host the 2019 edition of the Oscars, but he later decided to drop out after the Academy asked him to apologize for several homophobic tweets. Since then, the Oscars has gone hostless. 

Holland's potential inclusion as host would serve as a breath of fresh air for the Academy since he will carry over the success of Spider-Man: No Way Home and the MCU in general. 

At this stage, Marvel Studios is currently pushing "For Your Consideration" campaigns for several MCU projects like Eternals, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and No Way Home. It remains to be seen if Marvel will be nominated for awards in the ceremony, but it would be fitting to see Holland leading the way if it happens. 

Spider-Man: No Way Home is still playing in theaters worldwide. 

- About The Author: Aeron Mer Eclarinal
Aeron is a news/features writer and Content Lead for The Direct who has been working for the site since March 2020. From writing about the inter-connectivity of the Marvel Cinematic Universe to having an extended knowledge about DC TV's Arrowverse, Aeron's expertise has since expanded into the realm of reality TV, K-drama, animated, and live-action shows from Netflix,  Disney+, Prime Video, MGM+, Peacock, Paramount+, and Max. When he isn't writing and watching all things MCU, Aeron is heavily invested with the NBA (go Celtics!) and occasionally watches thrilling matches in the WWE.