Jimmy Kimmel announced as the new Oscars host for 2017
JIMMY KIMMEL has been announced as the new presenter of the Oscars for 2017.
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Host of self-titled show Jimmy Kimmel Live since 2003, the 49-year-old will take over the duties from Chris Rock.
Rock's ceremony this year attracted an audience of 34.3 million viewers, which was considered disappointing as an 11-year low, so executives hope Kimmel will pull in larger numbers.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has picked the late night TV star to lead the 89th Oscars broadcast.
Airing live in America on ABC, the show will also broadcast worldwide on Sunday February 26, 2017.
Jimmy Kimmel announced as the new Oscars host for 2017
The new Oscars 2017 host has presented Jimmy Kimmel Live since 2003
First time hosting the Oscars, the comedian has previously hosted the Emmy Awards twice.
An official announcement is expected to be made by producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd who took on the project last month.
Disney and ABC Television Group chief Ben Sherwood had recently publicly urged the Academy to consider Kimmel for the role.
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It comes as the Academy struck a new deal with ABC in August of around $75 million a year to broadcast the Oscars, to extend the agreement until 2028.
Part of the deal reportedly consists of allowing ABC more creative input on the awards show, which includes presenter and producer decisions, but allows the Academy a final say.
The Oscars airs on Sunday February 26, 2017.