ABC is said to have made offers to Kimmel and Mulaney, both of whom passed on the opportunity. Fortunately for the Academy and its host network, there’s still plenty of time, with the Oscars not slated to air until Sunday, March 2.
The first outreach had gone to Jimmy Kimmel, who’s already emceed the Academy Awards four times. But Kimmel ultimately said no, as he reportedly did to hosting this year’s Emmy awards. The decision may come as a surprise to those who know Kimmel to ultimately say yes to most major gigs in the name of being a good partner. But he’s also been vocal in recent years about his desire to have more balance in his life, which played into his decision to take the summers off at Jimmy Kimmel Live.
John Mulaney’s name has been bandied about as a potential host ever since he won over the Oscar crowd at the Governors Awards earlier this year. In fact, many saw that non-televised gig as an audition of sorts. The year prior, Mulaney had been asked by The Hollywood Reporter if he would ever consider hosting the Oscars. “Sure, why not?” he replied. “It would be really fun. It’s hosting the Academy Awards. Johnny Carson did that.” And while the comic addressed the possibly more recently, telling THR in June that he “wouldn’t necessarily say no”; in the end, he decided to pass for this year.
ONTD: Who would you want to see host the Oscars
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, THR YouTube
