Jimmy Kimmel is back as host of the 95th Oscars in 2023, marking the late-night star’s third time fronting the ceremony — which he last did five years ago. Kimmel’s return was announced Monday by Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner, the executive producers and showrunners behind the Academy Awards.
The “Jimmy Kimmel Live”The hosts of the 2017 and 2018, telecasts were previously in charge. The 2018 broadcast produced the famous “La La Land” “Moonlight” best picture screw-up. Kimmel will now join other three-peaters Jerry Lewis (Steve Martin), Conrad Nagel (Conrad Nagel) and David Niven. Whoopi Goldberg, Jack Lemmon (4) and Johnny Carson (5) are the only ones who have hosted more times than Kimmel. Billy Crystal (9), Bob Hope (11) and Billy Crystal (9) are the other two.
“Being invited to host the Oscars for a third time is either a great honor or a trap,”Kimmel made the statement in a statement. “Either way, I am grateful to the Academy for asking me so quickly after everyone good said no.”
Kimmel’s Oscars return comes as the host recently extended his deal to continue at ABC for at least three more years, through the 23rd season of “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”His agreement with the network was set to expire in one year.
“We’re super thrilled to have Jimmy score his hat trick on this global stage,”Kirshner and Weiss made the joint statement. “We know he will be funny and ready for anything.”
There’s no official word on who might have also been approached for the Oscars gig, but unconfirmed rumors had circulated that the producers asked Chris Rock, a previous host who was slapped during last year’s telecast by eventual best actor winner Will Smith.
The Oscars wants to return to its glory days when 50 million people watched. Kimmel is a well-respected host of the Emmys and Oscars.
“Jimmy is the perfect host to help us recognize the incredible artists and films of our 95th Oscars,”Statement from Academy CEO Bill Kramer, and Academy president Janet Yang “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.”
Kimmel was most recently host of the 2020 Primetime Emmys. This award show is notable for its unique pandemic-era ceremony that took place in an empty Staples Centre.
Added Craig Erwich, president, ABC Entertainment, Hulu & Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals: “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.”
Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall hosted the 2022 Oscars, which averaged 16.6 million viewers — a rebound from the previous year’s record low, but still one of the lowest-rated Academy Awards ever. Kimmel’s previous Oscars, in 2018, averaged 26.5 million viewers.
Visit this page to see the ranked predictions of each category.Variety’sOscars Hub.
The Academy has the opportunity to present one of its most consumer-friendly nominees in its entire history, such as “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” “Top Gun: Maverick,”The Oscars hope to experience a significant increase in ratings, with a potential A-list of original song candidates like Lady Gaga and Selena Gomez, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift.
Members will vote for this year’s slate of films from Jan. 12-17, with the official nominations announcing on Jan. 24. The 95th Oscars will take place at Ovation Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 12, 2023. It will be broadcast live on ABC, in over 200 countries, and live on television.
See the latest film predictions, in all 23 categories, in one place onVariety’sOscars Collective.
2023 Academy Awards Predictions
SUPPORTING ACTOR | DIRECTOR | ACTOR | ACTRESS | SUPPORTING ACTOR | SUPPORTING ACTRESS | ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY | ADAPTED SCREENPLAY | ANIMATED FEATURE | PRODUCTION DESIGN | CINEMATOGRAPHY | COSTUME DESIGN | FILM EDITING | MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING | SOUND | VISUAL EFFECTS | ORIGINAL SCORE | ORIGINAL SONG | DOCUMENTARY FEATURE | INTERNATIONAL FEATURE | ANIMATED SHORT | DOCUMENTARY SHORT | LIVE ACTION SHORT