KIMMEL & BITS
He’ll host Emmys — whatever they look like
He doesn't know where, how or why, but Jimmy Kimmel says he's showing up for the Emmys.
ABC announced Tuesday the “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” funnyman will host the awards his third time as Emmys MC.
“I don't know where we will do this or how we will do this or even why we are doing this, but we are doing it and I am hosting it,” Kimmel said in a statement.
The Primetime Emmys are set for Sept. 20, but production details — including whether there'll be a live audience — are still up in the air.
“We know Jimmy Kimmel will deliver a uniquely entertaining, funny and moving Primetime Emmys show,” Karey Burke, president of ABC Entertainment, said in a statement.
“He's a true master of ceremonies who reveres this industry and its people; and just as Jimmy has done with his own show over the past few months, he will tackle this momentous event with heart and humor, and bring some much-needed joy and optimism to our television colleagues the and viewers at home.”
Kimmel previously hosted the Emmys in 2012 and 2016. He's MC'd the Oscars in 2017 and 2018.
While this year's Emmys might not have an audience, last year's ceremony had no host. That marked the fourth hostless ceremony, after 1975, 1998 and 2003.
Much is uncertain about 2020 Emmys, but one thing is known: last year's two awards winners are out of the running. Best Drama, “Game of Thrones,” and Best Comedy, “Fleabag,” both wrapped up their runs in the spring of 2019.
Kimmel won an Emmy last year, not for performing, but as one of the executive producers of “Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's ‘All in the Family' and ‘The Jeffersons,' ” which won in the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) category.
Nominations will be announced July 28. The Emmy telecast is scheduled to air live on ABC on Sept. 20.
Meanwhile, the biggest awards show of all decided to push back its 2021 ceremony. The Motion Picture Academy announced Monday the 2021 Oscars, scheduled for Feb. 28, is now set for April 25.