The legendary Bob Hope holds the record for hosting the Academy Awards a whopping 19 times, surpassing all other hosts to date. Hope took to the stage for the first time at the 12th Academy Awards in 1940. Revered for his impeccable timing, magnetic charisma, and witty one-liners, Hope not only became synonymous with the Academy Awards but also shaped its presentation style. He hosted the show's first televised event in 1953, in addition to its first broadcast in color in 1966. Following closely behind Hope, Billy Crystal has hosted the Academy Awards an impressive nine times.
