AceShowbiz - Fans of late-night television and the Oscars have come to appreciate Jimmy Kimmel's comedic flair and engaging presence. After hosting the prestigious awards show in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024, Kimmel has decided to pass on the opportunity for a third consecutive appearance. His reasoning behind the decision highlights the immense effort and impact the gig has on his primary job, hosting "Jimmy Kimmel Live!".

Speaking on the "Politickin'" podcast hosted by Gavin Newsom, Marshawn Lynch, and Doug Hendrickson, Kimmel explained the challenges. "I just decided I didn't want to deal with that this year. It was just too much last year," he said.

"You wind up pushing everything off till after the Oscars, and then you have to do everything you promised to do after the Oscars, after the Oscars. I did two years [2017 and 2018], it went well. I did another two years [2023 and 2024], it went well. I figured I'd take a little break," he elaborated.

Kimmel admitted the difficulty of juggling his nightly talk show and the Oscars. "I'm not good at balancing. I'm really not. It's not one of my strengths. I'm all in when it comes to something like the Oscars. I think about it in the morning and at night, and when I have ideas I want to work on them, and then my nightly show seems like a nuisance. We have all our writers from the show working on the Oscars, so it distracts them," he said candidly.

The late-night host also touched on the collective challenges faced by potential hosts. Despite the event's prestige, many suitable candidates shy away. “I think there are a lot of people who would be good hosts but most of them don't want to do it. It takes a lot of time, and a lot of the people who you think, 'That person would be great'… they know they'd be great, they just don't want to do it."

Kimmel noted the relentless scrutiny and high expectations faced by Oscar hosts, adding, "They say it's a thankless job. I wouldn't necessarily describe it like that, because when it goes well, it isn't, but it's a tough spot to be in."

In a year where the Oscars must yet again find a new emcee, it's apparent that Kimmel's decision underscores the tremendous effort and pressure involved. This year's ceremony, set to air on March 2 on ABC, remains without a confirmed host, with John Mulaney also having declined the role.

As Kimmel enjoys a break from the heightened responsibility, the task now falls to the Academy Awards team to find someone to fill his well-worn shoes. Meanwhile, Kimmel's attention will return fully to "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", where he continues to engage and entertain audiences nightly.