He’s hosted the Oscars twice, but the Emmys appear to be home for Jimmy Kimmel. Today the Television Academy announced that the late-night talk show host will emcee the 72nd Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 20. This is Kimmel’s third go-around after hosting the 64th and 68th editions of the ceremony.
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In a statement, Kimmel, who is also executive producing the telecast remarked, “I don’t know where we will do this or how we will do this or even why we are doing this, but we are doing it and I am hosting it.”
Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment was more corporate in her quote adding, “We know Jimmy Kimmel will deliver a uniquely entertaining, funny and moving Primetime Emmys show. He’s a true master of ceremonies who reveres this industry and its people; and just as Jimmy has done with his own show over the past few months, he will tackle this momentous event with heart and humor, and bring some much-needed joy and optimism to our television colleagues and viewers at home.”
Kimmel is the host and executive producer of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” which has been nominated for an Emmy eight times and been an ABC mainstay for 18 years. Most recently, like many late-night talk shows, the program found Kimmel recording from home due to the coronavirus pandemic. For ABC and the Television Academy, if that is the direction the Emmys go in its certainly smart to bring Kimmel and his team who are experienced now in live remote events on board.
It’s also worth noting that Kimmel has experienced the perils and wonder of live award shows. His gig on the 89th Oscars saw him trying to help clarify the Best Picture winner after the wrong film was announced and he also had the misfortune of hosting the 90th Oscars, which were the lowest-rated in decades.
Nominations for the 2020 Emmy Awards will be announced by the Television Academy on Tuesday, July 28. The Primetime Emmy Awards will air on ABC on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET.