JIMMY Kimmel has opted out of hosting next year’s Academy Awards after bringing impressive ratings earlier this year.
The Jimmy Kimmel Live star previously hosted the prestigious Hollywood awards in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024.
However, a source has confirmed that Jimmy, 56, will not be taking centerstage next year.
A reason for the decision has not been given.
Along with the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire host, comedian John Mulaney, 41, has also declined the upcoming gig.
John last hosted the Academy’s 14th Governors Awards earlier this year.
Following Jimmy’s stint as host in 2017 and 2018, comedian Kevin Hart, 45, stepped down from hosting in 2019.
Between 2019 and 2021, the awards show went without an emcee and dropped in ratings.
In 2022, the Oscars picked back up with actors Amy Schumer, Regina Hall, and Wanda Sykes as hosts.
Jimmy returned to the stage to lead the 2023 awards and yet again earlier this year.
The 2024 Oscars had 19.5 million people watching — the highest ratings in four years.
With four ceremonies under his belt, the late-night host is currently tied with Jack Lemmon and Whoopi Goldberg, 68, for the fourth-most awards hosted.
‘I’m turning off the TV!’ Oscars fans rage as Jimmy Kimmel makes ’embarrassing’ joke about Robert Downey Jr in opening
Currently holding the crowns are Bob Hope, who hosted 19 times; Billy Crystal, who has hosted nine times; and Johnny Carson, who hosted five times.
Reps for Jimmy have not yet responded to a request for comment.
The 97th annual Oscars will be held on March 2, 2025, and will be broadcast live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
VIEWERS WEIGH IN
During this year’s ceremony, some viewers weren’t too happy with Jimmy’s jokes during his opening monologue.
Celebs Who Have Hosted The Oscars The Most
- Jimmy Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg, Jack Lemmon – 4 Times
- Steve Martin, Jerry Lewis, David Niven – 3 Times
While it is typical of the Oscars host to take digs at the year’s nominees, Jimmy’s choice of words about actor Robert Downey Jr.’s past drug use was not received well by fans.
As Jimmy pivoted to Oppenheimer, he said of Robert, “This is the highest point of Robert’s long illustrious career- well, one of the highest.”
Jimmy then motioned to his nose before Robert pointed to his, seemingly trying to be a good sport.
The audience nervously laughed as Jimmy asked, “Was that too on the nose or a drug motion you made?”
Viewers immediately slammed Jimmy on social media for the “unnecessary” jab.
“2024 and Jimmy Kimmel bringing up Robert Downey Jr.’s addiction during his opening monologue and trying to make a joke about it. So unnecessary… WTF,” someone wrote.
“Full body second-hand embarrassment at how flat Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes about Robert Downey jr landed,” wrote another.
However, others praised Jimmy’s jokes and believed it to be the “best-ever opening monologue.”
