Jimmy Kimmel and John Mulaney have both declined the opportunity to host the upcoming Oscars, scheduled for March 2, 2025. This news has been confirmed by various sources, including Variety.
Kimmel, who has hosted the prestigious awards ceremony four times, reportedly made his decision earlier this summer. His previous stints as host have been well-received, but he has chosen not to return for the next event. Mulaney, known for his sharp wit and engaging stage presence, also turned down the hosting role. He has a packed schedule ahead, with multiple projects in the pipeline, including the potential renewal of his talk show, “Everybody’s in L.A.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has opted not to comment on the matter. Kimmel’s departure from the hosting lineup is notable, as he is tied for the fourth-most hosting duties in Oscar history, alongside Whoopi Goldberg and Jack Lemmon. He trails behind legends like Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, and Bob Hope.
Mulaney, who hosted the Governors Awards earlier this year and was a standout presenter at the 96th Academy Awards, was seen as a strong candidate for the role. His performance at the Oscars, which included a memorable bit about Kevin Costner and “Field of Dreams,” earned him praise from both audiences and industry insiders. Costner himself expressed admiration for Mulaney’s comedic timing and delivery, highlighting the impact of his performance.
In a previous interview, Bill Kramer, the CEO of the Academy, spoke highly of both Kimmel and Mulaney, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a tone of celebration, respect, and humor at the Oscars. He noted that the Academy is fortunate to have talented individuals like Kimmel and Mulaney as potential hosts.
As the Oscars approach, the list of potential award contenders is shaping up to be diverse and exciting. Films like “Dune: Part Two” and “Joker: Folie à Deux” are expected to be in the running, alongside works from acclaimed directors such as Steve McQueen. The anticipation for the 97th Oscars continues to build, even as the hosting situation remains unresolved.
Kimmel’s history with the Oscars includes hosting the event in 2017 and 2018, followed by a host-less format from 2019 to 2021. The 2022 ceremony featured a trio of hosts, while Kimmel returned for the 2023 event, which garnered the highest ratings in four years. His ability to engage the audience and keep the show moving has been a hallmark of his hosting style.
As the Academy seeks a new host, the decision to decline the offers from Kimmel and Mulaney leaves a significant gap in the lineup. Both comedians have proven their ability to connect with audiences and bring a unique flair to the ceremony. The search for a suitable replacement will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion in the lead-up to the event.
With the Oscars set to take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, the excitement surrounding the awards continues to grow. Fans and industry professionals alike are eager to see which films will be recognized and who will ultimately take the stage as the host.
As the Academy navigates this transition, the focus remains on celebrating the art of filmmaking and honoring the talented individuals who contribute to the industry. The Oscars have long been a platform for recognizing excellence in cinema, and the upcoming ceremony promises to uphold that tradition.
In conclusion, the decision by Jimmy Kimmel and John Mulaney to decline the hosting offers for the Oscars has left the Academy with the task of finding a new emcee. Both comedians have made significant contributions to the awards show in the past, and their absence will be felt. As the Oscars approach, the anticipation for the event continues to build, with fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new host and the nominees for this year’s awards.
Source: Variety, PEOPLE
