Jimmy Kimmel and John Mulaney turn down offer to host Oscars

Popular TV personalities Jimmy Kimmel and John Mulaney gave the hosting duties of the Oscars a pass. The 97th edition of the globally anticipated film award show will be held on March 2.

The four-time host, Kimmel, reportedly said he was unavailable for the gig recently. Having been a part of the Oscars in the capacity of a host (2020 edition), presenter (2019), writer (2018), and having performed stand-up comedy sets at Awards' events and after-parties, Mulaney declined the offer owing to other commitments. His Netflix talk show, Everybody's in L.A., is reportedly getting renewed.

Kimmel, along with Whoopi Goldberg and Jack Lemmon, is fourth on the list of emcees for most hosting duties of the Academy, behind Johnny Carson (5), Billy Crystal (9), and Bob Hope (19).

Academy CEO Bill Kramer, in an earlier conversation with Deadline, had praised Jimmy Kimmel and John Mulaney for doing an incredible job. He added that the show should continue with this "tone of celebration, respect, humour, and a great love of movies," with whomever hosts the show.