By Sandra Gonzalez CNN
Jimmy Kimmel is headed to the Academy Awards.
The “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” host has been tapped to host the 2017 Oscars.
“Yes, I am hosting the Oscars. This is not a prank,” Kimmel wrote in a tweet. “And if it is, my revenge on @TheAcademy will be terrible & sweet.”
The news comes just months after Kimmel earned largely positive reviews for his turn as host of the 2016 Emmy Awards, a show he also hosted in 2012.
This will mark Kimmel’s first time helming the Oscars. Though, he’s anything but a surprise choice, having hosted the American Music Awards multiple times for his home network.
Chris Rock hosted the 2016 Academy Awards and had the tricky task of leading a ceremony plagued by criticism for its lack of diversity. Rock delivered a blistering commentary on the #OscarsSoWhite controversy head-on during his monologue.
Based on early indications, this year’s nominees could end up being an improvement.
Nominees will be announced January 24, 2017.
The Academy Awards air February 26, 2017 on ABC.
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