Only 32.9 million viewers tuned in to the 89th Oscars this last February to see Faye Dunaway’s epic faux pas where she announced La La Land as the best picture winner, with the Academy later revealing the correct winner as Moonlight. Jimmy Kimmel was hosting, and ABC has just given the word that Kimmel will return to host the 90th Oscars in 2018, amid reports of its lowest ratings since 2008.
Although the late-night host has previously joked he’ll probably not be asked back to host, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Tuesday that Kimmel will return to host with last year’s producing team Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd, ABC News reports.
The 90th Oscars will be broadcast live on the alphabet network March 4, 2018 from Los Angeles.
The announcement comes after Kimmel made a teary announcement on his late-night show last week after recounting his newborn son’s journey with a heart condition, linking in GOP lawmakers efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, and saying in a later late-night broadcast “No family should be denied medical care, emergency or otherwise because they can’t afford it.” Kimmel’s comments were debated by pundits on various networks and social media platforms.
The heartfelt video can be seen below:
Concurrently, ABC revealed their network’s Fall lineup ahead of Tuesday’s Upfront presentation, noting returning shows Modern Family, Black-ish, and Dancing With The Stars along with new shows. Check out the full lineup here.