Jimmy Kimmel and John Mulaney have passed on hosting the 2025 Oscars, Puck News reported on Monday night.
Why Did Jimmy Kimmel and John Mulaney Pass on Hosting 2025 Oscars?
ABC first contacted Kimmel, a four-time Oscars host who emceed the previous two ceremonies. Kimmel reportedly turned down the opportunity to host for a fifth time earlier this summer before he went on hiatus from Jimmy Kimmel Live!
After Kimmel declined, Mulaney was the next choice to host for ABC and the Academy. However, Mulaney declined the gig, citing a busy schedule with several projects, including several stand-up dates, on the horizon. One of these commitments might be a new season of Everybody’s in L.A., Mulaney’s talk show that might get renewed by Netflix. The six-episode series premiered in May 2024 to mainly positive reviews.
Mulaney as an Oscar host gained traction after the comedian hosted the 14th Annual Governor’s Awards in January 2024. Mulaney also presented at the 2024 Oscars and performed a hilarious bit dedicated to Kevin Costner and Field of Dreams.
After Kimmel hosted the Oscars in 2017 and 2018, ABC controversially did not hire a host for the next three ceremonies. The trio of Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes hosted in 2022 before Kimmel returned in 2023.
The Academy must return to the drawing board and find another Oscars host. Still, there is plenty of time to recruit a new personality, as the ceremony is not scheduled to air until March 2, 2025.
ABC is not only searching for an Oscar host, but the network also needs to find an emcee for The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, which will air on September 15, 2024.
(Source: Puck News)