Kimmel is recognized in the industry as a reliable choice for the 95th Academy Awards this coming March. Last year there was a scandal on stage when Hollywood star Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock in the face during the live broadcast of the gala. Rock previously joked about Smith's hair loss-stricken wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Shortly thereafter, Smith received the Oscar for best actor for his role in "King Richard".

Kimmel will be "fun and up for anything," said gala producers Glen Weiss and Ricky Kirshner. The comedian and TV presenter previously hosted the Oscars in 2017 and 2018. In its first year, "La La Land" was wrongly proclaimed the winner in the Best Picture category.