Jimmy Kimmel reportedly ‘favored’ for 2014 Oscars

Late night host Jimmy Kimmel is reportedly the favorite for the 2014 Oscars.

According to The New York Post’s Page Six, the Jimmy Kimmel Live! host could follow in Seth MacFarlane’s footsteps, especially after the Family Guy creator said “No way” to coming back.

“Jimmy is favored to host the Oscars next year; ABC has been pushing him for the role,” a source told the paper.

A source within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences insisted though, “It is way too early.”

Since the moment that MacFarlane said he won’t be back ,there has been wishlists for next year’s Oscars. Many hoped that 30 Rock’s Tina Fey would do it after her performance at the Golden Globes, but she said no.

The Oscars hosts are typically not named until after the Academy picks producers for the show. It's usually the producers’ job to pick the host and the network that carries the Oscars is often kept out of the decision. ABC is airing the show through 2020.

Kimmel sounds like a wise choice though. His move to 11:35 p.m. has been a success so far for ABC. He could also help the Academy draw younger viewers like MacFarlane did. This year’s Oscars drew a 13.0 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 40.3 million viewers, up from last year’s Billy Crystal-hosted show.