Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is set to host the 2023 Oscars, marking his third time as host of the prestigious awards ceremony. Kimmel previously hosted the Oscars in 2017 and 2018, the latter of which famously had its own blunder when “La La Land” was mistakenly announced as the winner of Best Picture instead of “Moonlight.”
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kimmel said he’s ready for anything, even another slap. “Well, I size them up, and if I’m bigger than they are, I beat the s— out of them on television. And if it’s the Rock, I run,” he joked, referencing Will Smith’s infamous slap of presenter Chris Rock at last year’s Academy Awards after Rock made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
Kimmel’s selection as host comes after a two-year hiatus for the Oscars, which were postponed and then restructured due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 95th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place tonight at 8pm (EDT).
Kimmel is no stranger to hosting high-profile events, having previously hosted the Emmy Awards and the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. His irreverent humor and ability to handle unexpected mishaps make him a popular choice among producers.
As for what we can expect from Kimmel this year, only time will tell. But one thing is for sure—he will bring his signature humor and quick wit to the stage. With his previous experience as host, Kimmel is well-equipped to handle anything that comes his way during the show.
In the past, the Oscars have been criticized for being too long and too predictable. Kimmel has shown a willingness to shake things up and inject some humor into the proceedings. Whether it’s a slap or a musical number, Kimmel is sure to keep audiences entertained throughout the night.
With Kimmel at the helm, the 2023 Oscars promise to be an exciting and unpredictable night for Hollywood’s biggest stars.