The 97th Academy Awards has yet to decide on a host, but that’s not for a lack of trying.
ABC is said to have made offers to Jimmy Kimmel and John Mulaney, but both passed on the opportunity, Parker News first reported. Fortunately for the Academy and its host networks, there’s still plenty of time, with the Oscars not airing until Sunday, March 2.
The first outreach was to late-night host Kimmel, who has hosted the Academy Awards four times, including the past two years. (Ironically, in his 2023 statement accepting the invitation, he wrote: “I have always dreamed of hosting four Oscars.”) Still, he was the obvious choice, in large part because of his The last attempt was met with widespread acclaim and has since become a part of the Academy Awards. But Kimmel ultimately declined, as he reportedly did host this year’s Emmy Awards, which will also air on ABC.
This decision may come as a surprise to those who know Kimmel, who ultimately takes on most big gigs in the name of being a good partner. After all, he’s hosted ABC’s Emmy Awards three times, appears on Disney’s front desk every year as a roast master, and continues to renew his late-night contract despite hemming and hawing about completing it. But in recent years, he has also been outspoken about his desire for a more balanced life, which was one of the reasons he decided to take a summer break. jimmy kimmel live show.
Next up is Mulaney, arguably a sexier but riskier bet. His name has been widely known as a potential host since he wowed Oscar audiences at the Governors Awards earlier this year. In fact, many viewed the non-televised gig as an audition of sorts, one that Mulaney apparently passed. (vulture There was even an article titled “Let John Mulaney run the show.” hollywood reporter If he were ever considering hosting the Oscars. “Sure, why not?” he replied. “It’s really fun. It’s hosting the Oscars. That’s what Johnny Carson did.
Although the comic tells what may have happened recently, THR In June, he “wouldn’t necessarily say no”; ultimately, he decided to pass it this year. (Don’t bother asking about the year after, because he insists he doesn’t plan for more than three months in advance.) While hosting the Oscars is a prestigious opportunity and remains an important platform, it’s also a Huge, months-long, often thankless campaigns. Additionally, Mulaney would have to pass up other opportunities, including another possible (and lucrative) stand-up comedy tour. So, ABC and the Academy are back to the drawing board, without having to do an extensive search for an Oscar host in years. ABC declined to comment for this story, and the academy did not immediately respond.
