It was already a longshot, we suppose, given how much turmoil the choice seemed to be causing behind the scenes, but for what it's worth, Jimmy Fallon won't be hosting the Oscars in February.
To recap, last week his name emerged as someone the Academy was talking to, with "Saturday Night Live" veteran Lorne Michaels eyeballed to produce (no word if he's still in the mix), but there were a number of factors at play. Most importantly, since ABC is broadcasting the show, they were less than pleased to see the host from a rival network's show potentially land the gig. According to the LA Times, Bob Iger, chairman of the Walt Disney Company, personally voiced his disapproval over the selection of Fallon (though, curiously, not of Michaels), and it seems the possibility of his hosting has fallen apart. And before you suggest Jimmy Kimmel, whose late night show is at home on ABC, he's hosting the Emmy Awards this year, and thus is not in contention for the Oscars.
"No, I'm not going to do the Oscars," Fallon confirmed to Matt Lauer in an interview on "Today." "It's an honor to be asked by the Academy, but it's not my year."
This writer thinks he would've at least been a fresh choice, and brought some true energy and excitement to a show that oftentimes needs these elements. But generally speaking, the final person selected to do the gig is usually someone who won't rock the boat too much, has the sheen of respectability and some kind of broad appeal. There's no doubt that the elder demographic who usually tune into the show, probably have no idea what a Jimmy Fallon is. But there's stlll lots of time to go. Just, please, not Billy Crystal again….
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