Emmy Award winner Jimmy Kimmel is back as the host for the upcoming 2024 Oscars ceremony, marking the late-night star’s fourth time fronting the show. Emmy nominee Molly McNearney will also return to serve as an executive producer for the second consecutive year in a row.
The “Jimmy Kimmel Live” host previously led the 2017, 2018 and 2023 telecasts. The 2017 ceremony produced the now infamous “La La Land” and “Moonlight” best picture screw-up. Kimmel will now sit alongside other four-peaters such as Whoopi Goldberg and Jack Lemmon. The only people to host more times are Johnny Carson (5), Billy Crystal (9) and Bob Hope (11).
“I always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times,” said Kimmel in a statement. McNearney adding that she’s “especially honored to be part of the Oscars team this year.”
“We are thrilled about Jimmy returning to host and Molly [McNearney] returning as executive producer for the Oscars,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President. “They share our love of movies and our commitment to producing a dynamic and entertaining show for our global audience. We are deeply grateful to Jimmy, Molly and their teams for their incredible creativity and partnership and for going on this ride with us again.”
“After his triumphant return to the Oscars stage last year, we are honored to have Jimmy back to guide us through one of the most beloved celebrations in entertainment,” said Craig Erwich, president of ABC Entertainment, Hulu and Disney Branded Television Streaming Originals. “He is such a valuable member of our Disney family, and we could not be more appreciative of him and his entire team.”
The 2023 Oscars ratings saw a bump in viewership, attracting an average audience of 18.8 total million viewers, up 13% from the previous figures. It outperformed the 2023 Grammys and Emmys by more than double. The ceremony earned a 4.0 rating in the adults 18-49 key demo, pushing it to three-year highs in both total viewers and demo — up 5% since 2020.
This year’s awards-contending films offer a treasure trove of populist titles, most notably Warner Bros’ “Barbie” and Universal Pictures’ “Oppenheimer.” The two movies were the stars of the “Barbenheimer” summer craze that took over movie theaters and pop culture. Both are expected to be heavy favorites in the best picture race alongside acclaimed movies such as “American Fiction,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Maestro” and “Poor Things.”
This year’s celebration of film achievements will be executive-produced by Raj Kapoor, Katy Mullan and Hamish Hamilton. Kapoor will also serve as the showrunner. Other team members include creative director Kenny Gravillis, production designers Misty Buckley and Alana Billingsley, red carpet show executive producer David Chamberlin, and red carpet creative consultants Lisa Love and Raúl Àvila.
Last year’s 95th ceremony earned a nomination at the Primetime Emmy Awards for outstanding variety special (live). Kimmel earned an additional nom for his late-night show in the talk series category, bringing his total career noms to 20. The results will be revealed in January.
The 96th Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 10, 2024.
