After a year-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy Awards are set to return in full swing on March 12, 2023, and Jimmy Kimmel has been announced as the host for the 95th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony.

Kimmel, who has previously hosted the Oscars in 2017 and 2018, is known for his sharp wit and comedic timing. His past hosting stints have been well-received, with many praising his ability to balance humor with genuine reverence for the art of cinema. In a statement announcing his return as host, Kimmel expressed his excitement for the opportunity to take the stage once again.

“I’m thrilled to be hosting the Oscars again,” Kimmel said. “The Academy Awards are a special night for everyone in the industry, and I’m honored to be a part of it. I can’t wait to see what the nominees have in store for us this year.”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the organization responsible for putting on the Oscars, also released a statement expressing their confidence in Kimmel’s ability to lead the show.

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“Jimmy is an incredible host, and we’re thrilled to have him back for the 95th Academy Awards,” the statement read. “He brings a unique blend of humor and respect to the show, and we’re confident he’ll do a fantastic job once again.”

The announcement of Kimmel as host comes after the 2022 Oscars were held without a host for the second consecutive year. In the past, the Oscars have been hosted by a variety of celebrities, from Ellen DeGeneres to Billy Crystal to Whoopi Goldberg. However, in recent years, the Academy has opted to forgo a host and instead rely on presenters and performers to carry the show.

While the decision to go hostless in 2022 was met with mixed reactions, Kimmel’s return to the stage is likely to be met with enthusiasm from both fans of the Oscars and fans of Kimmel’s late-night show, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

In addition to hosting the Oscars, Kimmel has been a staple of late-night television for over a decade. His show, which airs on ABC, has featured a variety of celebrity guests and memorable moments, from emotional interviews to hilarious comedy skits.

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As the Oscars approach, fans and industry insiders alike are eagerly anticipating the announcement of the nominees, as well as the ceremony itself. With Jimmy Kimmel at the helm, the 95th Academy Awards are sure to be a night to remember.