Jimmy Kimmel, known for his sharp wit, has been chosen to host the 96th Academy Awards, which is set to take place at the Dolby Theater on Sunday, March 10, 2024. This will mark the fourth time the late-night comedian has helmed the prestigious ceremony, having previously taken on the role in 2017, 2018, and 2023. Kimmel's hosting stints have notably boosted viewership, with his previous Oscars hosting garnering nearly 19 million viewers, up from 16.6 million in the year prior when Regina Hall and Amy Schumer hosted, according to The New York Times.
Jimmy Kimmel's return to hosting duties comes after a hiatus due to the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, which kept him and other late-night hosts off the airwaves. Upon resuming his ABC program last month, "Jimmy Kimmel Live" saw its highest-rated season debut in six years.
Kimmel's return to the Oscars stage not only keeps Meghan and Harry off the red carpet but also raises the possibility of them being the butt of his jokes once again. Last year, the couple faced humorous jabs from prominent figures at the ceremony. While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won't be in attendance at the glamorous event, they might still find themselves as subjects of humor on Hollywood's big night.
PR expert Matt Yanowski notes that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no longer considered untouchable in the United States. Their public image took a hit with a South Park episode that mocked the exiled Royals. South Park, being a show deeply embedded in pop culture, enjoys a level of immunity from cancellation and often articulates what others might be too timid to express. This has opened the door for comedians to take a swing at Meghan and Harry.
Jimmy Kimmel, being one of the comedians unafraid to jest about them, has them squarely on his comedy radar. However, how they'll be received at the Oscars is uncertain, as the event typically has an audience that can be somewhat out of touch. Matt Yanowski suggests it's a coin toss whether they'll be the subject of jokes or if they'll even mock Meghan and Harry at all.
In the long run, Meghan and Harry's prominence may make them fair game for jokes, but their decision to name their children "Prince" and "Princess" means they will continue to draw attention. While Hollywood tends to favor Royals who maintain a low profile and represent their country without seeking personal gain, Meghan and Harry's approach has been different, and their presence in the public eye has shifted perceptions of them in Hollywood.
