Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has revealed that he turned down an offer to host the Academy Awards for a fifth time due to the demanding nature of the role. In a recent podcast appearance, Kimmel explained that balancing the Oscars with his late-night talk show has proven to be a significant challenge.
“When I’m focused on the Oscars, I’m less focused on the show,” Kimmel said, referring to “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” “It’s hard to find that balance.”
The comedian acknowledged that hosting the Oscars is a time-consuming and demanding endeavor, requiring a great deal of dedication and preparation. He also expressed concerns about the impact on his late-night writing team, which contributes to both shows.
Kimmel’s decision comes as the Academy continues its search for a host for the 97th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2, 2025. Previous host John Mulaney also reportedly turned down the opportunity.
While Kimmel expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the Oscars, he ultimately decided that the workload and impact on his late-night show were too significant to commit to another year.
