Jimmy Kimmel earned some stellar reviews for his hosting gig at the 68th Emmy Awards last weekend, and ABC would like to invite the emcee back for an even bigger television event: The 2017 Oscars.
Ben Sherwood, the president of Disney/ABC Television Group, told reporters at a Q&A at the Paley Center for Media on Thursday that his number one pick for next year’s Oscars host was Kimmel, based on the comedian’s performance at this year’s Emmys.
“We thought Jimmy elevated the Emmys,” Sherwood said at the Paley event. “We thought Jimmy has earned [the Oscars hosting job] and we’re very hopeful that Jimmy will get it.”
Of course, the decision is not Sherwood or ABC’s to make — that power lies solely with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The exec did say, however, that the Academy will come up with a shortlist and present it to the network as a courtesy.
Kimmel himself hasn’t commented yet on ABC’s endorsement, but his selection would make sense, since late night hosts have taken the high-profile gig many times before. David Letterman hosted back in 1995 (in what was considered a disastrous outing), Jon Stewart emceed twice (in 2006 and 2008), and Johnny Carson was a regular on the Oscars stage, hosting five times from 1979 to 1984.
It will probably be a while before the Academy makes its selection, especially considering the Oscars are so far off, so stay tuned. The telecast is slated to air on ABC on February 26, 2017.
[via: Variety]
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We’re still more than four months away from the Oscar nominations announcement — not to mention more than three months away from the end of 2016 — but that hasn’t stopped prognosticators from predicting which flicks will make the cut when the Academy reads off its list of Best Picture nominees on January 24. And while for most of the year, awards show pundits have considered historical drama “Birth of a Nation” 
Veteran action star Jackie Chan is one of four people slated to receive an honorary Oscar this year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Thursday.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has 
Move over, Cora, Jack has a new best girl, er boy: Oscar.
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It was a throwaway gag but, following his melodramatic rendition of 
In an amazing pre-taped bit 
Again, this was another minor moment but one we loved deeply: when introducing Michael B. Jordan, Rock referred to him as a “should-have-been nominee,” referring to the sentiment of many, that Jordan should have been recognized for his exceptional, deeply felt work in “Creed.”
At one point, Rock made mention that there were some real life characters in the audience, including the woman that inspired 
…In a bit of off-the-cuff wackiness that was like a funny version of what 
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Another small moment we loved: when pint-sized stars 
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Looking for a printable 2016 
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