After a slight uptick in ratings for the 95th Academy Awards, it wasn’t a surprise when The Academy announced this afternoon that Jimmy Kimmel will return to host the 96th ceremony. Kimmel will join an impressive group of at least four-time emcees including Bob Hope (19 times), Billy Crystal (9 times), Johnny Carson (5 times), Whoopi Goldberg (4 times), and Jack Lemmon (4 times). Plus, Kimmel’s talk show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” is on the same network as the Oscars, ABC. So, it’s an easy fit for all involved.
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Additionally, The Academy announced that Molly McNearney will return for a second consecutive year to serve as an executive producer. She also happens to be Kimmel’s wife and a producer on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” She joins previously announced Oscars executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor and executive producer Katy Mullan. That pair was an unexpected hiring after it was assumed the 2023 production team of Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner would return for what was framed as a three-year run.
In a statement from The Academy, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang noted, “We are thrilled about Jimmy returning to host and Molly returning as executive producer for the Oscars. They share our love of movies and our commitment to producing a dynamic and entertaining show for our global audience. We are deeply grateful to Jimmy, Molly, and their teams for their incredible creativity and partnership and for going on this ride with us again.”Kimmel bluntly stated, “I always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times.”Kapoor and Mullan remarked, “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. We are delighted to be working with them and their teams on the show.”Craig Erwich, president of ABC Entertainment, Hulu and Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals added, “After his triumphant return to the Oscars stage last year, we are honored to have Jimmy back to guide us through one of the most beloved celebrations in entertainment. He is such a valuable member of our Disney family, and we could not be more appreciative of him and his entire team. We are also grateful to have the multitalented Molly back on the producing team, and we have no doubt that this year will be a spectacular night celebrating the biggest films of the year.”
With no new flashy name as host, The Academy and ABC have to be hoping all three “Barbie” songs get nominated so the show can be peppered with performances from Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and – dare to dream – Ryan Gosling for “I’m Just Ken.” We’re also hoping that Kimmel’s strike podcast partners of the “Strike Force Five” – Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, and Stephen Colbert find a way to make it into the show.
Kimmel previously hosted the Oscars in 2017, 2018 and 2023. The ceremony went host-less from 2019-2021 until Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes were brought on board in 2022. There hosting was a highlight until that particular telecast was marred by Will Smith‘s altercation with presenter (and former Oscar host), Chris Rock.
The 96th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 10 and broadcast live at 8 PM on ABC.