Oscars co-host Regina Hall wants it to be a fun night

Regina Hall will co-host the 94th Academy Awards alongside Wanda Sykes and Amy Schumer on Sunday.

It is the first time since 2018 that the Oscars will have a host, the first time since 1987 that it has had three, and the first time ever that all three will be women.

In an interview with the Associated Press Hall said she is excited to co-host Hollywood's biggest night.

"We just want to make sure that it is a fun night and that we're celebrating movies, and honestly just having a good time," said the Girls Trip actor.

The Oscars ceremony returns this year to its traditional venue at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre, after pandemic protocols shifted last year's ceremony to a downtown Los Angeles train station,

Television network ABC will hope for a return to the higher ratings of years past as well, reports AFP.

The 2021 gala was watched by 10 million viewers - a 56 % decline from 2020, which was already a record low.

Efforts to win back viewers include a new "fan favourite" prize voted for online by the public - introduced after popular blockbusters such as Spider-Man: No Way Home and Bond flick No Time To Die received only a handful of nominations.

Eight award categories have been pre-taped, the pre-announced winners of best sound, best score will have their speeches edited into the broadcast.

Watch the ceremony live on Monday, 28 March at 03:00 on M-Net Movies 1 (DStv 104) or later in prime time at 21:30 on M-Net (DStv 101).