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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
hopes Kimmel, a popular U.S. comedian who hosted the Oscars in
2017 and 2018, will help boost slumping TV viewership and bring
decorum to the event after Smith's outburst distracted from the
evening's honors last year.
Last year's broadcast on Walt Disney Co's [DIS.N] ABC network
received the event's second-lowest viewership on record. But
video of Smith slapping Rock's face on stage after the comedian
made a joke about the actor's wife was shared widely on social
media and dominated news headlines for days.
"Being invited to host the Oscars for a third time is either a
great honor or a trap," Kimmel said in a statement. "Either way,
I am grateful to the Academy for asking me so quickly after
everyone good said no."
The ceremony will be held on March 12 at its longtime home, Los
Angeles' Dolby Theatre.
"Jimmy is the perfect host to help us recognize the incredible
artists and films of our 95th Oscars," Academy CEO Bill Kramer
and Academy President Janet Yang said in a statement.
"His love of movies, live TV expertise, and ability to connect
with our global audiences will create an unforgettable
experience for our millions of viewers worldwide," they said.
Smith, who won best actor for his role in "King Richard" less
than an hour after the incident with Rock, has publicly
apologized to the comedian. He is banned from attending the
Oscars for 10 years, but is still eligible to be nominated and
win.
(Reporting by Rami Ayyub; Editing by Tomasz Janowski)
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