Television host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who is well known for his sensationally dry humor in late night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, is set to host the 89th Academy Awards on Feb. 26.
Frequent watchers of Kimmel’s show appreciate his surreal sense of humor as he pokes fun at his viewers’ children and his team of employees. For example, in the popular segment “I Told My Kids I Ate All Their Halloween Candy,” Kimmel compiles fans’ videos of their children’s reactions when the parents claim to have eaten all their hard-earned candy.
Other common hilarious gags come from segments featuring his cousin Sal, who is deeply invested in pulling off practical jokes, and parking lot security guard Guillermo, who is often used as a target for comic relief. These characters have helped the show exude a “friends and family” feel that many viewers find both heartwarming and amusing.
As a longtime fan of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” I’ve come to respect his sense of humor because of its uniqueness and lighthearted tone.
Being a popular talk show host, Kimmel is well versed in the world of television and isn’t afraid of the spotlight. His experience in the Hollywood industry makes him an ideal candidate as a host to many awards ceremonies.
Kimmel previously hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2012 and 2016, garnering positive reviews from critics for both shows. Hollywood entertainment news source Deadline went as far as to say that “Kimmel should be considered as a semi-permanent host the way Ricky Gervais is and Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were for the Globe Globes.”
At the Emmy Awards, Kimmel kept the audience engaged and laughing the entire time by incorporating short skits and songs.
And though Kimmel has never hosted an Oscars before, expectations for this funnyman are set high.
“Jimmy Kimmel shines as a host because of his experience and sense of humor,” senior Joshua Deng said. “I clearly remember when he had his mom make sandwiches for everyone in the audience during the Emmys last year.”
Traditionally, after each Oscars, Kimmel’s ABC show has a bit about the Oscars, in which he pokes fun at the nominations and nominees. He often invites celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres into the bits, lightening the mood after a typically serious awards ceremony.
In the past couple of months, Kimmel has been preparing rigorously for the event. Even so, Kimmel has deadpanned that “this would be the lowest-rated Oscars ever.”
Kimmel is humorously telling fans to set their expectations lower. Personally, being a fan of his talk show, I’m looking forward to a great Oscars that even non-film aficionados will appreciate.