The fifth time didn't quite charm the magic stick as Jimmy Kimmel, the 56-year-old comedic titan and talk show maven, gracefully declined the prestigious offer to helm the 2025 Oscars, news that rippled through Hollywood in July. In recent years, Kimmel had become a beloved fixture of the Academy Awards, gracefully navigating the red carpet as master of ceremonies for four consecutive glittering evenings in Hollywood's grandest affair: 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024. So, what prompted this sudden departure from the spotlight?
In a candid conversation on the "Politickin'" podcast hosted by Gavin Newsom, Marshawn Lynch, and Doug Hendrickson, Kimmel offered a heartfelt confession: "I've simply decided that this year, I don't want to embark on that journey again." Reflecting on the previous year's spectacle, which witnessed a fierce battle between "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" and a seemingly nude John Cena stealing the stage, Kimmel elaborated, "Last year was just overwhelming. Everything gets pushed aside until after the Oscars, and then the pileup of commitments feels insurmountable. I've done two successful runs [2017-2018], followed by another [2023-2024], and I realized it's time for a brief hiatus."
Comedian John Mulaney, too, reportedly turned down the opportunity, joining the esteemed ranks of hosts who have graced the Oscars stage multiple times alongside Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jack Lemmon (though Billy Crystal still reigns supreme with nine hosting gigs). Kimmel confessed that juggling the Oscars with his ABC late-night show, "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", proved to be a daunting task. "I'm no master of balance," he chuckled. "It's not one of my fortes. When I'm immersed in the Oscars, I'm consumed by it, day and night. My mind is brimming with ideas I want to execute, and suddenly, my own show feels like an intrusion. Our entire writing team gets absorbed in Oscars prep, leaving my show's creative process in limbo."
Despite the challenges, Kimmel maintained a fondness for the gig. "It's exhilarating, and the satisfaction of a successful show is unparalleled. But for me, three consecutive years was simply too much to handle."
As for Mulaney's decision, though he remained tight-lipped publicly, Kimmel offered insight into the minds of fellow comedians who often shy away from such a monumental task. "It's a colossal commitment, and many who seem perfect for the job are acutely aware of their prowess but prefer to steer clear. Hosting the Oscars is a double-edged sword; you either exceed expectations or fall short, and it's often seen as a thankless endeavor. I wouldn't necessarily agree with that sentiment; success is sweet indeed, but the pressure is undeniably intense."
