Official: Jimmy Kimmel to Host This Year's Oscar

It's official! Jimmy Kimmel will host the Oscar's Award. With only 12 weeks to prepare, the comedian will host the show that will be broadcasted live by ABC on February 26.

Last Monday, Jimmy Kimmel put an end to all speculations that have been going around for months already. In his Twitter, he confirmed the news by saying "Yes, I am hosting the Oscars. This is not a prank. And if it is, my revenge on @TheAcademy will be terrible & sweet. Thx to @alsformalwear."

Kimmel is well known for his great stint when he hosted the Emmy in September. Due to this, Ben Sherwood who is the ABC president told the reporters "Jimmy has earned [the Oscars], and we're very hopeful that Jimmy will get it."

Michael De Luca, as well as, Jennifer Todd are producing the show. If you could remember, there were rumors earlier that Ben Sherwood, the Disney/ABC Television Group chief had been urging the Academy to consider Kimmel for the gig. Last August, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences entered into a deal with ABC to broadcast the Oscars. As part of this deal, ABC will be able to offer input in the choice of host and producers, although the Academy still has the final say.

Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs also confirmed the news, she said "Jimmy has the qualities of all the great hosts," and added "He knows who he is, he knows the audience and he knows how to captain a ship with many moving parts. We're thrilled he has agreed to host our show."

The choice for Jimmy Kimmel surely came very late this year. In the past, the hosts are normally named in the month of October. Some of the pasts hosts were Neil Patrick Harris, Chris Rock, and Seth MacFarlane.