This year's Oscars gala will not be led by an official host, says Karey Burke, CEO of the broadcasting company ABC, which broadcasts the gala.

- Let me confirm this here and now. Together with the Academy of Oscars, we have decided not to have a traditional host this year, he says.

The 2019 gala was the first since 1989 held without a host after the intended host, comedian Kevin Hart, resigned to the mission when he was criticized for homophobic Twitter posts.

Held February 9

Instead, the focus was on the Hollywood stars who presented the winners and a musical opening number signed by rock band Queen. ABC could then be glad that this year's gala broke a four-year trend of declining viewership.

Karey Burke explains that this year they want to spin on last year's success which, he said, contained "tremendous entertainment value, great music numbers and a lot of comedy".

This year's Oscars gala, the 92nd in order, will take place on February 9. The nominations in the various price categories were presented on January 13.