Alright, listen up! The Oscars are in a bit of a jam, Jimmy Kimmel and John Mulaney just said, “Thanks, but no thanks,” to hosting next year’s big show. With Kimmel already crushing it four times, and Mulaney getting major props for his hosting game earlier this year, this one’s a shocker.
The Lowdown:
- Jimmy Kimmel: Hosted the Oscars four times
- John Mulaney: Highly praised for hosting this year and delivering an epic “Field of Dreams” bit
What Went Down:
So, here’s how it all unfolded. Everyone was buzzing about Mulaney after his killer performance at the March Oscars, where he had the audience rolling with his extended riff on the Kevin Costner flick Field of Dreams. Moreover, he also nailed his hosting duties at the Governors Awards back in January, where they hand out those honorary Oscars.
Given all this, it’s no wonder people thought Mulaney would be the next Oscars host. In fact, back in June, the Academy’s CEO, Bill Kramer, was practically tipping his hat in Mulaney’s direction. He straight-up said, “We are lucky to have Jimmy [Kimmel], who helped create one of the best Oscars last year. John Mulaney also did an incredible job.” Pretty clear, right? However, Kramer did keep his options open, emphasizing that whoever takes the gig next has to bring that vibe of celebration, respect, humor, and, of course, a deep love for movies.
Academy’s Angle:
- Bill Kramer (Academy CEO): Praised both Kimmel and Mulaney
- Future Host Vibe: Celebration, respect, humor, and love for movies
But Then…
Despite all the hype, Mulaney had to pass. The word on the street? Dude’s got too much going on right now. Puck, the site that first broke the news, spilled the tea—Mulaney’s workload is just too heavy for him to take on the Oscars gig.
The Backstory:
- Bob Hope: Hosted the Oscars a record-breaking 19 times
- Billy Crystal: Took on hosting duties nine times
- Others with Solid Records: Johnny Carson (five times), plus Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jack Lemmon, who each hosted four times
And It Doesn’t Stop There…
Meanwhile, the Golden Globes are also scrambling for a new host. This comes after Jo Koy’s hosting stint earlier this year got seriously dragged by critics. They’re hoping to bring back some of that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler magic, or maybe even Ricky Gervais, who always kept the audience talking.
What’s Hot on the Awards Circuit:
As for the films likely to make waves this awards season, it’s shaping up to be a showdown. We’re talking about Gladiator 2 and Joker 2, plus the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. Not to mention, we’ve got Conclave, Nightbitch with Amy Adams, Luca Guadagnino’s Queer starring Daniel Craig, and Pablo Larraín’s Maria, featuring Angelina Jolie. These are the flicks that could dominate the conversation.
Top Contenders:
- Sequels: Gladiator 2, Joker 2
- Biopics and Dramas: A Complete Unknown (Bob Dylan biopic), Conclave (papal drama)
- Musicals and More: The End (apocalyptic musical), Nightbitch (with Amy Adams)
- Star Power: Luca Guadagnino’s Queer (starring Daniel Craig), Pablo Larraín’s Maria (starring Angelina Jolie)
That’s It
Now, the Academy’s got their work cut out for them. With Kimmel and Mulaney both out of the running, who will step up to host Hollywood’s biggest night? And will they be able to keep that mix of celebration, respect, and killer humor going? Stay tuned—this story’s just getting started.
