Jimmy Kimmel is bringing his late-night antics to prime-time as host of the 95th Oscars, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced today.
Molly McNearney was also announced as an executive producer, Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirschner, executive producers of the Academy Awards show, said. Kimmel was the host of the Oscars in 2017 and 2018.
“Being invited to host the Oscars for a third time is either a great honor or a trap. Either way, I am grateful to the Academy for asking me so quickly after everyone good said no,” Kimmel said in a statement.
Kimmel is the host and executive producer of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and recently signed a three-year contract extension. He is one of the longest-running talk show hosts in American television history.
“We’re super thrilled to have Jimmy score his hat trick on this global stage. We know he will be funny and ready for anything,” said Weiss and Kirshner in a statement.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said Kimmel is the perfect host for the Oscars.
“His love of movies, live TV expertise, and ability to connect with our global audiences will create an unforgettable experience for our millions of viewers worldwide,” Kramer and Yang said in a statement.
“With Kimmel, Weiss and Kirshner’s fresh perspective and masterful guidance, the Oscars will celebrate its rich 95-year history, the collaborative nature of moviemaking, and our diverse, dynamic and deeply creative community of filmmakers.”
Craig Erwich, president of ABC Entertainment, Hulu & Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals said having Kimmel return to host The Oscars is a dream come true.
“As we see every night on his own show, Jimmy can handle anything with both heart and humor, and we know that he will deliver the laughs and celebratory moments that define the Oscars,” Erwich said. “We love being the home of Hollywood’s biggest night and can’t wait to toast the success of this year*s cinema and storytelling.”
The 95th Oscars will be at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.
