Oscars 2017: Jimmy Kimmel tapped to host 87th Academy Awards
This will be the first time the late night star will host the top Hollywood awards show
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Your support makes all the difference.Jimmy Kimmel is set to host the 2017 Academy Awards.
Producers of the 87th Oscars ceremony, Michael DeLuca and Jennifer Todd are expected to make the official announcement regarding Kimmel’s hosting spot shortly, Variety reports.
The talk show host and notable prankster confirmed his spot as host in a tweet Monday afternoon.
“Yes, I am hosting the Oscars. This is not a prank. And it if is, my revenge on The Academy will be terrible and sweet,” he wrote.
This will be Kimmel’s first time hosting the Oscars.
Kimmel has helmed the ABC late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live since 2003 and comes with significant awards show hosting experience. He hosted the 2012 and 2016 Emmy Awards, the 2007 ESPYS, as well as the American Music Awards five times.
“We thought Jimmy elevated the Emmys,” said Disney/ABC Television Group chair Ben Sherwood in September. “We thought Jimmy has earned it, and we’re very hopeful that Jimmy will get [the Oscar hosting job].”
Jimmy Kimmel will follow last year’s host Chris Rock, who took the stage amid criticism for the Academy’s lack of diversity. That year, no people of colour received nominations in any of the major categories.
The 87th Academy Awards will air on ABC on 26 February.