Back to square one.
According to Puck News, Jimmy Kimmel has turned down the chance to host the Academy Awards for a fourth time.
John Mulaney — beloved but the right fit — also turned down the job.
The Oscars will air in March 2025 on ABC.
ABC and the Motion Picture Academy now have the task of finding someone to fill Kimmel’s shoes. The ABC late night host saved the show two years ago, increasing the ratings slightly and stabilizing what had become a much criticized show.
So who could take this on? What I hope everyone learned from the last few years is that an outsider doesn’t work. Once they start demeaning Hollywood and the stars, the show is over. Kimmel’s magic was a gentle ribbing from someone all the actors knew and liked.
This is why Johnny Carson, Bob Hope, Billy Crystal, and Whoopi Goldberg were all successful at steering the ship. Frankly, I’d suggest Pete Buttigieg, although by March 2025 he’ll probably be secretary of state.
Chris Rock is unlikely since the whole show would become about the slap. Kelly Clarkson? Not a bad idea, even if she’s one half of a team. The other half? Why not John Leguizamo?
And so the search begins. Keep in mind, the likely Best Director could be Ridley Scott if “Gladiator II” is any good. Best Picture could go that way, too. It’s a middling year. No matter how much money they make, “Deadpool and Wolverine,” “Twisters,” and “Beetlejuice 2” will not be nominated.
