Variety has confirmed the surprising news that both Jimmy Kimmel, a seasoned veteran with four Oscar hosting gigs under his belt, and the charismatic John Mulaney, whose wit stole the show at this year's Academy Awards and even graced the Governors Awards stage, have declined the prestigious offer to helm the upcoming Oscars ceremony on March 2nd.
Reports indicate that Kimmel, who is tied at fourth place with Whoopi Goldberg and Jack Lemmon for most hosting duties, gracefully declined the invitation earlier this summer. Meanwhile, Mulaney, with a packed schedule brimming with upcoming projects and rumors swirling that his talk show "Everybody's in L.A." might secure a renewal on Netflix, has also passed on the torch.
The Academy, tight-lipped as ever, has refrained from commenting on the matter. Kimmel's four-time stint as master of ceremonies has firmly etched his name alongside legends like Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, and Bob Hope, who stand tall with 5, 9, and an impressive 19 hosting credits respectively.
Mulaney, who captivated audiences with his hosting prowess at the Governors Awards in January and his charming presence at the 96th Oscars, had emerged as a fan favorite to take the reins. In a June interview with Variety, Academy CEO Bill Kramer expressed his admiration for Kimmel's contributions to last year's critically acclaimed Oscars and voiced his optimism about Mulaney's potential involvement, stating, "We're blessed to have Jimmy, who co-crafted one of the most memorable Oscars nights. John Mulaney too, left an indelible mark. Regardless of who steps up, our focus remains on fostering a celebration of cinema, imbued with respect, humor, and a profound love for movies. We've got a stellar lineup of contenders."
The anticipation for this year's Oscars is palpable, with a diverse slate of contenders ranging from the anticipated sequel "Dune: Part Two," to the star-studded spectacle "Joker: Folie à Deux" featuring Lady Gaga, to critically acclaimed auteur Steve McQueen's "Blitz." The 97th Academy Awards promises to be a night of unforgettable moments, set to unfold on March 2nd.
