Jimmy Kimmel will return as the host of the 96th Oscars ceremony, marking his fourth time as the master of ceremonies for the prestigious awards show. The decision comes as organizers aim to regain viewership following a period of declining ratings. Kimmel’s previous hosting stints have shown promising results, with viewership numbers increasing in recent years. His return was also praised for being controversy-free, which helped restore the event’s reputation after a previous year’s incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock. With Kimmel at the helm once again, the Academy hopes to continue this positive trajectory and provide a glamorous and engaging experience for both attendees and viewers at home.
Academy Awards Organizers Stick with Jimmy Kimmel as Host
The Academy Awards organizers have made the decision to bring back Jimmy Kimmel as the host for the 96th Oscars ceremony. This will be Kimmel’s fourth time hosting the prestigious event, a testament to his popularity and success in the role. The decision was confirmed by anonymous sources who were briefed on the plan. Molly McNearney, co-head writer and executive producer of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC, will also serve as an executive producer for the telecast.
The Importance of Cultural Relevancy
In recent years, the Academy Awards have faced challenges with declining ratings. In an effort to regain cultural relevancy and attract viewers, the academy and ABC have experimented with different hosting formats. They have tried multiple hosts as well as no hosts at all. However, for the 2023 show, they have chosen to stick with one host – Jimmy Kimmel. His return as host for the past two years has seen an increase in viewership, with nearly 19 million people tuning in this year, up from 16.6 million the previous year. This upward trend bodes well for the future of the Oscars.
One of the reasons for the success of Kimmel’s hosting is the lack of controversy surrounding his tenure. In 2022, the Oscars faced a scandal when Will Smith unexpectedly slapped Chris Rock on stage. This incident tarnished the image of the event and led to a decline in its reputation. However, with Kimmel as host, the show has been controversy-free, helping to restore its luster and appeal to a wider audience.
In addition to the host, the academy and ABC have also made changes to the red carpet preshow to make it feel less chaotic and more glamorous. They have hired consultants with experience from the Met Gala to overhaul the red carpet experience. By creating a more elegant and refined atmosphere, they hope to enhance the overall viewer experience and draw in a larger audience.
The Changing Landscape of Oscar Hosts
Hosting the Academy Awards ceremony was once considered a prestigious achievement for top comedians and entertainers. Comedians like Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg have hosted the event multiple times and it was seen as a feather in their cap. However, in recent years, many stars have become reluctant to take on the hosting duties due to concerns about the time commitment and potential backlash.
With the rise of social media, the Oscars has become a target for criticism and mockery. The online community often engages in trash-talking the event, from its scripted banter to the choices made by the voters. This has made hosting the Oscars a less desirable task for many celebrities who fear facing backlash and scrutiny. The hesitation from stars to take on the hosting role has resulted in a shift in the landscape of Oscar hosts, with fewer high-profile comedians willing to step up to the task.
Slow Start to Awards Season
The current awards season has had a slow start due to the actors’ strike, which prevented stars from promoting their finished work. With the strike now resolved, studios and publicists are ramping up their awards campaigns to generate buzz and recognition for their films and actors. Films like “American Fiction” and performances like Emma Stone’s in “Poor Things” are expected to be strong contenders for nominations.
The resolution of the strike has given a boost to the awards season and allowed the industry to regain momentum. It has also provided an opportunity for actors and filmmakers to showcase their work and compete for recognition at the Oscars.
Potential Standout Films for the 96th Academy Awards
Two films that are expected to prominently feature in the nominations for the 96th Academy Awards are “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” Both films were resounding successes at the global box office and have received critical acclaim. The popularity of these films is expected to drive higher viewership for the Oscars, as audiences are more likely to tune in when films they are familiar with and excited about are recognized.
The potential nominations for “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” will not only bring attention to the films themselves but also highlight the talent behind them, including the directors, actors, and production teams. The recognition of these films can have a significant impact on viewership and generate excitement and anticipation for the award ceremony.
About the Author: Brooks Barnes
The author of this article is Brooks Barnes, a journalist who specializes in Hollywood reporting. Barnes has been covering the entertainment industry since 2007 and joined The New York Times in the same year. Prior to that, he worked at The Wall Street Journal, gaining extensive experience in reporting on the entertainment business. With his expertise and knowledge, Barnes brings a professional and informed perspective to his articles. His coverage of Hollywood and the Academy Awards provides valuable insights into the industry and its ongoing developments.
