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“Jimmy Kimmel Secures Fourth Academy Awards Hosting Gig”
Jimmy Kimmel has been selected to host the 96th Academy Awards for the second consecutive year and the fourth time overall, as announced by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on Wednesday. This news comes a year after Kimmel’s successful hosting of the 2023 ceremony, which garnered the highest viewership since the pre-pandemic era. The decision to bring Kimmel back for the upcoming Oscars signals a vote of confidence in his ability to steer the ceremony in light of last year’s dramatic and controversial event involving Will Smith and Chris Rock.
**Kimmel’s Return**
The late-night host previously hosted the Oscars in 2017 and 2018, expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity by stating, “I always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times.” While Kimmel’s hosting stints have earned him a place in the history books, with only Bob Hope and Billy Crystal having hosted more times, his return signifies his enduring popularity and appeal as a host.
**Behind the Scenes**
The film academy also revealed that Raj Kapoor will be the executive producer and showrunner, alongside the executive producer, Katy Mullan, and the director, Hamish Hamilton. Of note, Molly McNearney, the executive producer of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ and Kimmel’s wife, will serve as an executive producer for the second consecutive year. Kapoor and Mullan stated, “Jimmy has cemented himself as one of the all-time great Oscars hosts with his perfect blend of humanity and humour, and Molly is one of the best live TV producers around.”
**The Big Night**
The 96th Academy Awards are scheduled to air live on ABC on March 10 from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Kimmel’s return as host has sparked widespread interest and anticipation as audiences await what is sure to be an entertaining and memorable evening.
In conclusion, the selection of Jimmy Kimmel as the host of the upcoming Oscars demonstrates the Academy’s confidence in his ability to navigate the complexities of the ceremony, as well as his enduring appeal as a host. With Kimmel at the helm alongside a talented team of producers and directors, the 96th Academy Awards promises to be an evening to remember for both the film industry and audiences worldwide.
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