Jimmy Kimmel To Host The Oscars For The 4th Time

NEW YORK – The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday that Jimmy Kimmel will host the Academy Awards for the second year in a row and for the fourth time overall.

A year after bringing Kimmel back for a 2023 ceremony that garnered 18.7 million people, the most since the pre-pandemic broadcast in 2020, ABC is turning to its late-night star once more. Kimmel oversaw a careful event that helped calm the Academy Awards after years of upheaval in the aftermath of Will Smith’s slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars.

Jimmy previously hosted the Academy Awards in 2017 and 2018.

“I’ve always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times,” Kimmel stated in a statement.

Jimmy Kimmel To Host The Oscars For The Fourth Time

Though the comedian is climbing the ranks, he is still a long way from being the most frequent Oscar emcee. That honor belongs to Bob Hope, who hosted the show a record 19 times, either alone or with a co-host. Billy Crystal hosted the show nine times between 1990 and 2012.

Raj Kapoor will serve as executive producer and showrunner, Katy Mullan will executive produce, and Hamish Hamilton will direct, according to the film academy. They’ll be joined by Molly McNearney, executive producer of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and Jimmy’s wife, who will serve as an executive producer for the show for the second year in a row.

Jimmy Kimmel To Host The Oscars For The Fourth Time

“Jimmy has cemented himself as one of the all-time great Oscars hosts with his perfect blend of humanity and humor, and Molly is one of the best live TV producers around,” the two said in a joint statement.

The 96th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC on March 10 from Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre.

Jimmy is an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer. He is best known for hosting the late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC.

Jimmy began his career in the radio industry before transitioning to television, where he gained recognition for his wit and comedic talent.

With his unique blend of humor and insightful commentary, Kimmel has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, addressing current events and social issues while entertaining audiences with his engaging personality.

SOURCE – (AP)