Jimmy Kimmel Set To Host The 2017 Academy Awards

Jimmy Kimmel will host the Oscars for the first time next year.

KIMMEL TO HOST 2017 OSCARS

Kimmel, who helms Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC, hosted the 2016 Emmy Awards and garnered praise for his charm and humor. “We thought Jimmy elevated the Emmys,” said Disney/ABC Television chief Ben Sherwood. “We thought Jimmy earned it and we’re very hopeful that Jimmy will get [to host the Oscars].”

The show will be produced by Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd. ABC and the Academy have a contractual relationship that has been renewed through 2028. This gives the Academy final say on producers and hosts, as well as other decisions, but the choice to cast Kimmel as host gives ABC an inside man. Kimmel Live airs late nights on ABC.

In addition to this year’s Emmy’s, Kimmel hosted the 2007 ESPYS and the American Music Awards a total of five times.

The 89th Academy Awards will air Feb. 26, 2017 on ABC.