Well, ABC got their man. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently renegotiated and extended its deal with the network to broadcast the Academy Awards through 2028. As part of that deal it was reported the network would have more influence in the telecast itself. The fact Jimmy Kimmel was announced as host of the 89th Academy Awards this February is a sign their say has seriously increased.
READ MORE: The 89th Oscars Finally Find Some Producers In Michael De Luca And Jennifer Todd
The Academy has not issued a formal press release yet, but they did re-tweet Kimmel’s tweet announcing the news.
Yes, I am hosting the Oscars. This is not a prank. And if it is, my revenge on @TheAcademy will be terrible & sweet. Thx to @alsformalwear
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) December 5, 2016
Kimmel has hosted ABC’s nightly late night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” since 2003. He recently hosted the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards to mixed reviews (in fact, this may be the first time an Oscar host has also hosted the Emmys within a calendar year). Kimmel’s other hosting experience includes the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2012, the 2007 ESPY Awards, the American Music Awards (2004, 2006-2008) and the 2012 White House Correspondents Dinner.
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ABC has aired special editions of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” immediately after the Oscars for a number of years. Kimmel’s hosting is a huge promotional opportunity for a late night program attempting to make inroads against the current late night champ, “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” Previous late night hosts to emcee the Academy Awards over the years include Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Jon Stewart.
It’s unclear if Kimmel was Oscar producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd‘s first choice. When this writer talked to Todd at an event for her upcoming movie “Live by Night” last month she joked they’d already been turned down by some potential hosts. Kimmel is on very friendly terms with Todd’s producing partner Ben Affleck, however. He’s also friends with Matt Damon who will likely be an Oscar nominee as a producer for Kenneth Lonergan‘s “Manchester by the Sea” this year.
The 89th Academy Awards will be broadcast on ABC on Sunday, February 26th.