The Oscars announced Monday that comedian and late-night talk show presenter Jimmy Kimmel would host the 95th Academy Awards for the third time.
In a press statement, showrunners Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner revealed that the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” will host the annual awards presentation in March.
“Jimmy is the perfect host to help us recognize the incredible artists and films of our 95th Oscars,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said. “His love of movies, live TV expertise, and ability to connect with our global audiences will create an unforgettable experience for our millions of viewers worldwide.”
“Having Jimmy Kimmel return to host ‘The Oscars’ is a dream come true,” said Craig Erwich, president of ABC Entertainment, Hulu & Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals. “As we see every night on his own show, Jimmy can handle anything with both heart and humor, and we know that he will deliver the laughs and celebratory moments that define the Oscars. We love being the home of Hollywood’s biggest night and can’t wait to toast the success of this year’s cinema and storytelling.”
Kimmel also joked that being invited back to host the big night is “either a great honor or a trap.”
“Either way, I am grateful to the Academy for asking me so quickly after everyone good said no,” the talk show host joked.
Kimmel previously hosted the Academy Awards in 2017 and again the following year. The annual awards event experienced record low viewership in 2018. The program was hostless for the following three years, receiving the lowest ratings ever during the pandemic.
The 95th Academy Awards will be held on March 12, 2023, and will be televised live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. It will also be shown in over 200 countries across the world.