Jimmy Kimmel graced the latest episode of Gavin Newsom, Marshawn Lynch, and Doug Hendrickson's spirited podcast, "Politickin'," where he candidly shared his rationale behind declining to helm the prestigious 2025 Oscars. A seasoned pro, having helmed Hollywood's glitziest night four times – 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024 – Kimmel confessed that while he relishes the grandeur, the endeavor comes with its fair share of sacrifices, particularly to his beloved "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
"I've just opted to take a step back this year," Kimmel divulged, his voice tinged with a hint of weariness. "Last year was an overwhelming marathon. It's like pushing all your commitments to the sidelines until after the Oscars, only to be met with a mountainous pile of promises waiting post-awards season. I've had two successful runs [2017 & 2018], followed by another [2023 & 2024], and I realized it's time for a well-deserved respite."
"Balancing acts aren't exactly my forte," he added with a self-deprecating chuckle. "I'm an all-in type of guy, and when it comes to the Oscars, I'm consumed. Thoughts of it linger in my mind day and night, ideas brewing that I yearn to execute. Yet, amidst this frenzy, my nightly show feels like an intrusion, a distraction. Our talented writers, who normally contribute to the show's brilliance, are redirected towards Oscars preparations, further diluting our focus. Sure, the thrill of pulling it off flawlessly is exhilarating, but for me, three consecutive years proved to be a marathon too far."
In late July, Variety sensationally disclosed that Jimmy Kimmel had gracefully declined an invitation to helm the prestigious 2025 Academy Awards ceremony, echoing the decision of fellow comedian John Mulaney who also passed on the opportunity. Currently, Kimmel stands at an impressive fourth place in the league of most-frequent Oscar hosts, tied with Whoopi Goldberg and Jack Lemmon, trailing only legends like Johnny Carson (5 times), Billy Crystal (9 times), and the iconic Bob Hope with a whopping 19 appearances.
During a candid conversation on the 'Politickin'' podcast, Kimmel painted a vivid picture of the challenging landscape for potential Oscars hosts, remarking that while there are indeed numerous stellar candidates floating around, "the majority of them shy away from the spotlight." He elaborated, "It's a commitment that devours copious amounts of time, and often, those you instinctively deem as perfect fits – they're self-aware of their talents, yet they choose not to embark on this journey. The pressure's immense; the fear of not living up to expectations looms large. People say it's a thankless endeavor, but I beg to differ. Sure, it's a tightrope walk when things don't align, but the glory is unparalleled when it all clicks into place."
Amidst his summer sabbatical from the helm of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' the show has seen a flurry of guest hosts grace its stage, with Kathryn Hahn and Kumail Nanjiani among the notable personalities filling in, ensuring the laughter and entertainment never cease.
