Jimmy Kimmel Set to Host ABC’s 89th Oscars 2017

Jimmy Kimmel Live - Oscar Announcement

Jimmy Kimmel is set to host the 89th Oscars to be aired live by ABC on February 26, sources tell the Hollywood Reporter.

The official announcement is expected to be made by producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd, who were hired to produce the event last month. It will be Kimmel’s first time hosting the Oscars. The comedian has been hosting ABC’s late night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, since it debuted in 2003.

Here is some background on the announcement from THR:

Disney/ABC Television Group chief Ben Sherwood had publicly urged the Academy to consider handing the high-profile gig to Kimmel. In August, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences struck a new deal with ABC, which pays about $75 million a year to broadcast the Oscars, to extend the agreement until 2028. As part of the pact, ABC got more creative input on the show, including the choice of producers and host, although the Academy retained final say on the decisions. Kimmel has emceed the Emmys twice, in 2012 and this past September.

I thought Kimmel did a great job with the Emmys this past September. He’s a seasoned host and his comedy has just the right amount of bite to give the proceedings a bit of an edge.

Via The Hollywood Reporter

About mj santilli 34841 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!