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Jimmy Kimmel will not be returning to host the next Oscars event.
Credit: Disney/ABC
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Few television events are as revered or exciting as the annual Academy Awards. Filled with stars, both new and old, there’s magic in the air on the night of the Oscars ceremony.
Last year’s Oscars were exceptionally exciting, with Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer sweeping seven categories, including best film, best director, and best director. Emma Stone won best actress for her work in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, and Robert Downey Jr. was awarded for his supporting role in Oppenheimer as well.
The Oscars have also faced controversy lately, with 2022’s broadcast coming to a screeching halt after Will Smith got on stage and slapped host Chris Rock. This slap was heard around the world (literally) and was arguably one of the most significant moments in television and broadcast history.
ABC now faces a different hurdle with its host, with longtime Oscars emcee Jimmy Kimmel bowing out.
Jimmy Kimmel Not Hosting Next Year’s Oscars
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Comedic Hollywood legends Jimmy Kimmel, longtime host of the Oscars, as well as John Mulaney have both passed up hosting roles for next year’s event, Puck News reports.
ABC is said to have made offers to both Kimmel and Mulaney before they turned down the hosting gig.
Kimmel’s departure is somewhat surprising given that the late-night host has already emceed the Academy Awards four times, his first appearance being in 2017. Kimmel went on to host the Oscars in 2018 and returned for both the 2023 and 2024 Oscars.
Kimmel has a long history with ABC and award shows, hosting the Emmys three times. He also makes an annual appearance at the Disney Upfront event. However, in recent years, Kimmel has toned down his approach to his work, taking the summers off as host of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
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Kimmel was not the only celebrity to turn down next year’s Oscars, with John Mulaney also saying no to ABC. Mulaney wowed viewers earlier this year while hosting the Governors Awards.
Mulaney was asked by The Hollywood Reporter if he would like to host the Oscars at one point, to which he responded, “Sure, why not? It would be really fun. It’s hosting the Academy Awards. Johnny Carson did that.”
It’s unclear who will eventually become the host of 2025’s Academy Awards, but for now, it’s back to the drawing board for ABC.
Fortunately, ABC still has plenty of time to find a new host, as the next Oscars event is not scheduled to air until Sunday, March 2, 2025.
