Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

4 minutes read. Updated 6:00AM GMT Thurs, 15August, 2024

Popular American television host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel has declined an invitation to host the 2025 Academy Awards. Kimmel, who has previously hosted the Oscars four times, revealed his reasons for stepping back during a recent episode of the “Politickin'” podcast, where he spoke candidly with California Governor Gavin Newsom and NFL agent Doug Hendrickson.

Kimmel cited the overwhelming demands of balancing his nightly talk show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, with the intense preparation required for the Oscars as the main reasons for his decision. He expressed the difficulty in managing both responsibilities, stating, “I just decided I didn’t want to deal with that this year. It was just too much last year. You wind up pushing everything off till after the Oscars, and then you have to do everything you promised to do after the Oscars, after the Oscars.”

Hosting the Oscars is no small feat, and Kimmel has proven himself capable, having successfully led the prestigious event in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024. However, the comedian acknowledged that the role demands significant time and energy, often at the expense of his daily show. “I’m all in when it comes to something like the Oscars,” Kimmel explained. “I think about it in the morning and at night, and when I have ideas, I want to work on them, and then my nightly show seems like a nuisance.”

Kimmel’s decision to step down comes as a surprise to many, given his track record of handling the pressure of hosting one of the most-watched television events in the world. However, his choice to take a break from the spotlight reflects a desire to focus more on his regular commitments and personal well-being. Despite his departure from the Oscars stage, Kimmel acknowledged the existence of other capable hosts who could take on the challenge, saying, “It’s a tough spot to be in.”

The 2025 Oscars will now need to find a new host to fill Kimmel’s shoes, a task that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will likely approach with careful consideration, given the high expectations and global viewership of the event.

Kimmel’s decision has sparked discussions about the pressures faced by high-profile television hosts and the impact of such demanding roles on their personal and professional lives. As the Academy begins its search for a new host, the entertainment industry and fans alike will be watching closely to see who steps up to the plate.