With a wider field of well-known best-picture nominees (Top Gun: Maverick, “Avatar: The Way of Water”) and the stain of last year’s shock, when Will Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock on stage after Rock made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, Jimmy Kimmel returns to host the Oscars for the third time on ABC (8 EDT/5 PDT) on Sunday.
Nonetheless, the host, who in January commemorated ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” reaching 20 years old, had no reluctance to return as host (“You want to be wanted”) and claimed that the Academy’s early and enthusiastic request won him over. Kimmel, 55, last served as host in 2018, when “La La Land” was mistakenly given the best picture prize, casting a lingering shadow over the event.
He remarks, “Maybe being away for a few years is good. You shouldn’t do it too frequently, as people will start to dislike you.
Since they invited me to host the show, I’ve been learning the martial arts, so I assume that’s what they mean. In actuality, I am not prepared for anything. I’m prepared for some things, but I’m not at all prepared for anything that calls for violence or requires me to flee. No one has given me any details on the crisis management meeting, but I assume it involved brainstorming potential crisis scenarios. I will therefore be the sole person left in the dark in the event of a crisis.
So you’re not just a guest on their team?
I’m not on the team, and it doesn’t seem like anyone is very concerned about my welfare. I’m not sure why they’re concerned, but I’m hoping they won’t slap me.
So you’re not just a guest on their team?
I’m not on the team, and it doesn’t seem like anyone is very concerned about my welfare. I’m not sure why they’re concerned, but I’m hoping they won’t slap me.
Making jokes about something that nobody saw is challenging. Thus, it is significant that you can make a joke about them without having to justify it in advance because a major section of America has seen them. Also, if you’ve seen a movie, you have something to support it, however if all the candidates are obscure or unimpressive films, why bother watching?
I don’t feel pressured when it comes to ratings, but there is pressure to make the show engaging. Ratings for network television are declining. Although there will occasionally be an exception to the rule and there is nothing I or anybody else could do about it, I actually don’t give it much thought. I simply want to know that I did a good job, and perhaps most people would agree, when it’s all said and done.
Can you discuss how the show will begin? I know you prefer to leave things a surprise. A dance number, a video sketch, or a speech are all possible options.
Undoubtedly, there will be a monologue. Please understand that I’m not trying to keep something very secret from you. I’m attempting to be hilarious, and whether it succeeds or fails is up to fate. There is no great secret, though, and even if there were, I wouldn’t share it with you.
