Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is to present the 2023 Oscar ceremony, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) has announced.
Kimmel, who has hosted the event twice before, in 2017 and 2018, has been picked to lead the Oscars as it attempts to regain its popularity. In 2022, the Academy hired three main presenters – Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall – while for the three years previous, 2019-21, there was no official host.
Kimmel, who presents and executive produces Jimmy Kimmel Live! on network channel ABC said in a statement: “Being invited to host the Oscars for a third time is either a great honour or a trap. Either way, I am grateful to the Academy for asking me so quickly after everyone good said no.”
The Oscars has been struggling to respond to calamitous ratings in 2021 and 2022: the former saw the worst ever TV audience of 10.4m, and while the following year improved by 58%, it still reached only 15.4m. In contrast, Kimmel’s second hosting stint in 2018 drew 26.6m.
The Academy leadership is still considering proposals to “invigorate” the live telecast, including the unpopular decision to scrap the on-air presentation of “craft” awards in 2022 in an effort to shorten the show. The leadership also appear to be leaning towards increasing the impact of the “red carpet” portion of the event, along the lines of the Met Gala.
The 2023 Academy awards will take place on 12 March in Los Angeles.
