2017 OSCARS
LOS ANGELES: Late-night television presenter Jimmy Kimmel ended months of speculation on Monday over who would host the Oscars in February, announcing that he has been tapped to front the glitzy ceremony.
It will be the first time for the comedian, who has hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! on ABC since it launched in 2003 and garnered praise for his work as host of this year’s Emmys television awards.
“Yes, I am hosting the Oscars. This is not a prank. And if it is, my revenge on @TheAcademy will be terrible & sweet,” the 49-yearold New Yorker joked on Twitter.
His selection was later confirmed by Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd, the multiple OsEmmy-nominated car- and duo producing the 89th Oscars cerwhich emony, airs live on ABC television on Feb 26.
“Jimmy’s ability to connect with people is what makes him a singular choice for this job,” they said in a joint statement.
“His frank observations, relatpersona, able wry humour and love of all kinds of film make him a natural fit for the Oscars stage.”
Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs said she was thrilled to have a host who “knows who he is, knows the audience”, while CEO Dawn Hudson described Kimmel as “razor sharp, funny and unpredictable”.
ABC, which pays the Academy a reported US$75 million (RM333 million) a year to broadcast the Oscars, struck a new deal in Augiving gust, executives more creinput. ative
Kimmel’s appointment comes unusually late this time around, as the host is usually booked months in advance of the Oscars.
It ends speculation over several other possibilities for presenter, including fellow comedians Ellen DeGeneres and Tina Fey.
Chris Rock hosted this year’s ceremony, which suffered an eight-year low in ratings, averagmillion ing 34.5 viewers. AFP