The 97th Academy Awards have yet to land a host, though it’s not for lack of trying.
ABC is said to have made offers to both Jimmy Kimmel and John Mulaney, both of whom passed on the opportunity, as first reported by Puck News. Fortunately for the Academy and its host network, there’s still plenty of time, with the Oscars not slated to air until Sunday, March 2.
The first outreach had gone to Kimmel, its late-night host, who’s already emceed the Academy Awards four times, including the last two years. (Ironically, his statement upon accepting the offer in 2023 read: “I always dreamed of hosting the Oscars exactly four times.”) Nevertheless, he was the obvious choice, in large part because his last foray was widely praised and because he’s already part of the Disney family. But Kimmel ultimately said no, as he reportedly did hosting this year’s Emmy awards, which will also be carried on ABC.
The decision may come as a surprise to those who know Kimmel to ultimately say yes to most major gigs in the name of being a good partner. After all, he’s hosted the Emmys for ABC three times, he makes an annual appearance as roast master at the Disney upfront and he keeps re-upping his late night contract despite hemming and hawing about being done. But he’s also been vocal in recent years about his desire to have more balance in his life, which played into his decision to take the summers off at Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Mulaney, arguably a sexier if riskier bet, came next. His name has been bandied about as a potential host ever since he won over the Oscar crowd at the Governors Awards earlier this year. In fact, many saw that non-televised gig as an audition of sorts, during which Mulaney clearly passed. (Vulture went so far as to publish a piece titled, Let John Mulaney Host Everything.) The year prior, Mulaney had been asked by The Hollywood Reporter if he would ever consider hosting the Oscars. “Sure, why not?” he replied. “It would be really fun. It’s hosting the Academy Awards. Johnny Carson did that.”
And while the comic addressed the possibly more recently, telling THR in June that he “wouldn’t necessarily say no”; in the end, he decided to pass for this year. (Don’t bother asking about the year after since he insists he doesn’t plan more three months in advance.) Though hosting the Oscars is a prestigious opportunity and still a major platform, it’s also a massive, months-long and often thankless undertaking. Plus, Mulaney would have had to give up other opportunities, including another likely (and hugely lucrative) standup tour. So, it’s back to the drawing board for ABC and the Academy, which hasn’t had to run an extensive search for an Oscars host in years. ABC declined to comment for this story, and the Academy did not immediately respond.