Wanda Sykes will never host the Oscars again: ‘No, thanks’

Wanda Sykes isn’t thrilled about hosting the Oscars again.

The comedian hosted the 2022 Academy Awards with Amy Schumer and Regina Hall. During the ceremony, Best Actor winner Will Smith slapped host Chris Rock; Sykes previously called the experience of witnessing the attack traumatizing.

When asked in a Variety cover story while promoting her Netflix special “I’m an Entertainer” should she be willing to host the Oscars again, Sykes replied, “Nope. I do not believe.

The “Other Two” star added, “I mean, it was fun doing it with Amy and Regina. But solo? No thank you.”

Sykes revealed that Smith later reached out to her.

“When he called, I had the worst cold in my throat. It wasn’t COVID, but I was really sick,” Sykes said. “And I was like, ‘Hey, I appreciate you reaching out. When I’m feeling better, I’ll get in touch.’ But at that point, I was like, he called. I know what the call was for. I am fine.”

He continued, “I mean, I wish the kid the best. I really hope he can come back. Really.

In May 2022, Sykes said of Smith: “I hope he gets his act together. Until then, fuck it.

Sykes previously called out the Academy over its “crass” reaction to the Oscars slap.

“I know (Will) apologized to Chris, but I think… We were the hosts. This is our home, we’re inviting you in, we’ll take care of you tonight and make sure you enjoy yourself,” Sykes said. “And no one has apologized to us. And we worked very hard to put that show together. I’m like, with the industry itself, like, ‘What the hell is this?’”

In July 2022, Sykes called hosting the Oscars an “amazing honor,” but also one she has no interest in revisiting.

“I think it’s something you want to do, you do it once,” Sykes said at the time (via Entertainment Weekly). “And I don’t know if I would do it again.”