© AMPAS
Jimmy Kimmel is set to return as a host of the Academy Award which will be held on Sunday March 12. Executive Producers and showrunners Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner announced the news this morning.
This will mark the third time for Kimmel’s hosting on Hollywood’s biggest night of the year after previously hosting in 2017 (89th Oscar) and 2018 (90th Oscar). After the latter show dropped the record low ratings, the broadcast decided to hold the show without a host in 2019, 2020, and 2021 (A heavily pandemic-affected Oscar was stripped down to the lowest ratings ever).
Kimmel, who is also star of ABC’s signature late night series, ”Jimmy Kimmel Live,” has a unique experience in Oscar history, having presided over the infamous misplaced envelope show in 2017 when Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were handed the wrong envelope and announced La La Land as the Best Picture winner, only to be corrected when one of that film’s producers grabbed the correct envelope to reveal there had been a mistake and Moonlight was the actual winner instead.
“Jimmy is the perfect host to help us recognize the incredible artists and films of our 95th 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,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang. “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.”
“Having Jimmy 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,” said Craig Erwich, president, ABC Entertainment, Hulu & Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals. “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.”
ABC and AMPAS clearly are hoping Kimmel can return it to at least the modest levels.
Members can vote for this year’s slate of films from Jan. 12-17, and the official nominations announced on Jan. 24. The 95th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will broadcast live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.