Comedian Jimmy Kimmel will host the 95th Academy Awards in 2023, news agencies reported, citing a statement from the U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Organizers hope that Kimmel, which they hosted in 2017 and 2018, will help boost declining TV ratings and rekindle interest in the awards. He has his own nightly talk show on ABC, remember BTA.
At this year’s ceremony audience attention was drawn to Will Smith’s slap on stage at comedian Chris Rockhe took the liberty of insulting his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
The ceremony, which aired on ABC, scored the second-lowest viewership in history, Reuters recalls.
However, the video of Smith’s slap went viral on social media and dominated the news headlines for days.
“Being invited to host the Academy Awards for the third time is a great honor or a trapJimmy Kimmel said in a statement released.
The ceremony will take place on March 12, 2023 at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles.
“Jimmy is the perfect host to help us recognize amazing artists and films at our 95th Academy Awards,” said Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Executive Director Bill Cramer and Academy President Janet Yang. “His love of cinema, experience in live television and the ability to connect with our global audience will create an unforgettable experience for our millions of viewers around the world,” they added.
Will Smith, who won a Best Actor Oscar for his role in The Williams Method, publicly apologized to the comedian less than an hour after the Rock incident. However, he was forbidden to participate in the ceremonies of honor for a period of ten yearsbut is still eligible to be nominated and win.
The 94th Academy Awards ceremony in March this year was presented by comedy stars Amy Schumer, Regina Hall and Wanda Sykes.
