Has Oscar found a host in Jimmy Kimmel?
Jimmy Kimmel hosts the Oscars (8:30 p.m. Sunday, ABC, TV-14). It would be easy to dismiss his contributions to the art of film. And not entirely inaccurate. But he has appeared in a dozen, as himself (“Ted 2”), as a voice (“Road Trip”) or in a brief cameo. Who can forget “Windy City Heat”?
Johnny Carson hosted the Oscars for years, and his movie appearances were more limited than Kimmel’s. Ditto David Letterman, another host who was the face of Oscar for one disastrous evening.
Because Kimmel has been ABC’s late night host for some years now, you’d have to think that he’s more than due. Does his reputation as an unpretentious everyman lend itself to the Oscars’ glamour? Who knows? These things are difficult to predict. I dreaded the idea of Seth MacFarlane hosting the Oscars and his rather adolescent commentary only justified my fears. On the other hand, I thought Neil Patrick Harris would make a natural host, having done so well hosting the Emmys and the Tonys, and his performance fell
flat.
I’ve been reviewing Kimmel’s performances ever since he appeared on “Win Ben Stein’s Money” way back in 1997. His “every guy” persona may be just what Oscar needs in 2017. Particularly when the odds-on favorite to dominate the night is a musical named “La La Land.” Then again, I’ve been wrong about these things before.
In fact, I’m terrible at predicting the films and performances that will win. Perhaps because I don’t believe in these contests and perhaps because I really don’t care.
For some time now, the Oscars telecast has been about celebrating “important” movies for one night so that the film industry can go about making popcorn flicks for the other 364 days of the year. And how many of these “serious” works measure up to the best television series? How many of them are better than some of the shows running against the Oscars on Sunday night, including “The Missing” and “Homeland”?
Last year’s best picture winner, “Spotlight,” was a very good movie about an important subject. But did it start as many conversations as FX’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson” miniseries? Glancing back at the best picture winners since 2000, I’m hardpressed to find a movie I’d like to see again, or even wanted to watch in the first place. It’s safe to say that television has become the dominant medium in the 21st century. Increasingly, Oscar night seems like a fancy dress ritual from another era.
‘YES’ AGAIN
The “drama” of wedding preparations has inspired great art like “Father of the Bride” and low reality TV series, including the “Bridezilla” franchise. “Say Yes to the Dress” has survived 10 years and 15 seasons by focusing on the outfit at the center of the ceremony. Saturday’s threehour retrospective “Say Yes to the Dress: 10 Years of Yes!” (8 p.m., tonight, TLC) glances back at some of the most challenging clients and beautiful outfits.
For the uninitiated, “Yes” stars Randy Fenoli and his team of consultants who put up with demanding brides and even more outrageous mothers. And along the way, they offer an ongoing commercial for Kleinfeld, a giant in the wedding gown industry.
Season 15 offers no shortage of shenanigans and weepy moments, including outfitting Grammy-nominated singer Elle King and contending with the strong opinions of reality starturned-White House adviser Omarosa Manigault.
In addition to these diva moments, Randy and crew will go on location to Baton Rouge, La., to help a bride who lost her home and wedding dress in a damaging flood.
TONIGHT’S HIGHLIGHTS
› “Chicago” (7:35 p.m., Showcase, and 9 p.m., Starz Encore), starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, won best picture in 2002. And it was a musical with a city’s name in its title.
› The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Philadelphia Flyers in NHL action (8 p.m., NBC).
› Premier Boxing Champions features a heavyweight bout with undefeated champ Deontay Wilder (8 p.m., Fox), live from Birmingham, Ala.
› The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Chicago Bulls in NBA action (8:30 p.m., ABC).
› “Planet Earth II” (9 p.m., BBC America, TV-PG) looks at the wildlife that call the mountains their home.
› A freshwater crocodile needs special attention after laying her eggs on “The Zoo” (10 p.m., Animal Planet).
› “NBA Countdown” (8 p.m., ABC).
› A senator’s past may explain the reasons behind his daughter’s kidnapping on “Ransom” (8 p.m., CBS, TV-14).
Contact Kevin McDonough at kevin.tvguy@gmail.com.