The Oscars are set for a high-profile ceremony at dawn on Monday, March 13, with Spain as the host backdrop for a global audience. Actors and filmmakers will again command the attention of the cinema world, and the event will face a unique test that night after last year’s moment that still lingers in memory, the Will Smith–Chris Rock incident.
The Hollywood Academy is mindful of the scrutiny that comes with such a spectacle and states its intention to handle every detail with precision. To minimize surprises this year, the organization has chosen to lean into tradition by reintroducing a presenter and emphasizing a reliable, familiar format. Jimmy Kimmel, who has previously hosted the ceremony, will take the stage once more to guide the evening.
“Jimmy is the perfect host for our 95th installment. His passion for film, his extensive live television experience, and his ability to connect with audiences around the world will help craft an unforgettable experience for millions of viewers globally,” a studio representative remarked.
For the third time in his career, this well-known television figure in the United States will be the one to set the pace and maintain the rhythm of the awards show. He previously stepped into the hosting role in 2017 and 2018, and those broadcasts are often remembered for their cohesion and energy.
Comedian, actor, presenter, and screenwriter Kimmel, born in Brooklyn in 1967, remains a central figure on the ABC late-night landscape with a flagship program that has earned critical recognition. His past performances at the Academy Awards have also drawn Emmy nominations, underscoring his relevance and versatility in guiding a live, high-stakes broadcast.
His experience behind the mic at two Oscar ceremonies adds to his credibility as a host who can balance humor with the ceremonial gravitas the night requires.
It was 2019 when the Academy paused the idea of a single host after controversy surrounding some old social media posts. The decision to proceed without a traditional master of ceremonies marked a shift in how the Academy approached the televised event, a trend that influenced subsequent ceremonies in the following years, including some of the least-watched editions in recent memory. The choice reflected a broader reassessment of how to structure a modern, global awards program while preserving its core appeal.
As the organization plans for a new edition, the focus remains on delivering a broadcast that engages viewers across Canada and the United States, while also resonating with audiences around the world. The host’s role is understood not merely as entertainment but as a conduit—an anchor that holds together the variety of performances, tributes, and surprises that make the ceremony a cultural touchstone. The preparation emphasizes pacing, visual storytelling, and a balance between reverence for the film industry and timely, accessible humor for a diverse international audience.