The 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' host has been announced to return as the host for the 96th annual Academy Awards in 2024, marking his fourth time fronting the show.
- Nov 16, 2023
AceShowbiz - Jimmy Kimmel is set to return to Oscars stage. The late-night star has been officially announced as the host for the 96th annual Academy Awards in 2024, marking his fourth time fronting the show.
"I always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times," the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" host jokingly said in a statement about his upcoming gig. He previously led the 2017, 2018 and 2023 telecasts.
Sharing the news via his personal Instagram page, the comedian wrote on Wednesday, November 15, "I am enthused to announce that I am returning to host the #Oscars on Sunday March 10th." He went on quipping, "Please keep it between us, thanks. @TheAcademy."
The Academy, however, couldn't keep the news to itself as it also shared via its own social media page, "Well, I guess the secret's out. Presenting your 96th Oscars host, Jimmy Kimmel. Welcome back!" It added, "Tune into ABC to watch the Oscars LIVE on Sunday, March 10th! #Oscars."
Emmy nominee, executive producer of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and Kimmel's wife Molly McNearney is also set to return as an executive producer for the second consecutive year in a row. She said that she's "especially honored to be part of the Oscars team this year."
Meanwhile, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President said in a statement, "We are thrilled about Jimmy returning to host and Molly [McNearney] returning as executive producer for the Oscars. They share our love of movies and our commitment to producing a dynamic and entertaining show for our global audience. We are deeply grateful to Jimmy, Molly and their teams for their incredible creativity and partnership and for going on this ride with us again."
"After his triumphant return to the Oscars stage last year, we are honored to have Jimmy back to guide us through one of the most beloved celebrations in entertainment," Craig Erwich, president of ABC Entertainment, Hulu and Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals, added. He went on gushing about the comedian, "He is such a valuable member of our Disney family, and we could not be more appreciative of him and his entire team."
Raj Kapoor was earlier announced as executive producer and showrunner, with Katy Mullan executive producing and Hamish Hamilton serving as director. "Jimmy has cemented himself as one of the all-time great Oscars hosts with his perfect blend of humanity and humor, and Molly is one of the best live TV producers around," Kapoor and Mullan weighed in on the news.
The 96th Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 10, 2024 and air live on ABC.
