Jimmy Kimmel's Bold Promise: A Return to Oscar Hosting Under One Condition
Late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel has made a striking commitment that could see him back at the helm of the Academy Awards, but only if a specific film garners Oscar recognition. Kimmel, known for his sharp wit and political commentary, set his sights on the new documentary about former first lady Melania Trump during his recent monologue.
Documentary's Surprising Box Office and Critical Reception
The film, which chronicles Melania Trump's life, reportedly earned an impressive $7 million over its opening weekend, exceeding industry expectations. Kimmel humorously noted that this made it "the biggest opening for a non-musical vanity project or brazen corporate bribe in 10 years." Amazon invested a substantial $75 million into the production, distribution, and promotion of the documentary, yet it holds a mere 6% score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite the poor critical reception, Kimmel pointed out that the documentary is receiving rave reviews on Fox News, where former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany enthusiastically suggested it deserves an Oscar nomination. This contrast between mainstream critics and conservative media praise set the stage for Kimmel's provocative offer.
Kimmel's Hosting History and Feud with Donald Trump
Jimmy Kimmel is no stranger to the Oscars stage, having hosted the prestigious ceremony four times in the past. His tenure, however, sparked notable tension with former President Donald Trump. During the 2024 Oscars, Trump sent a message insulting Kimmel while the show was still live. Kimmel read the message on air, quipping that he was surprised Trump was awake and watching, and added the biting retort, "Isn't it past your jail time?"
This moment infuriated Trump, who reportedly referenced it frequently throughout the year on the campaign trail. Kimmel revealed that he was offered the hosting role for the 2025 Oscars but declined. Now, he has opened the door to a potential return in 2027, contingent on the Melania Trump documentary's Oscar prospects.
The Specific Condition for Kimmel's Comeback
In his Monday night monologue, Kimmel issued a clear challenge: if the Melania Trump film receives an Oscar nomination, he will host the show, whether invited or not. He stated emphatically, "Mark my words right now. If 'Melania' gets nominated for an Oscar, I will host that show whether they ask me to or not. I will insist on it."
Kimmel concluded with a satirical jab, predicting that the documentary might even win "the first-ever FIFA best actress award," alluding to FIFA's controversial decision to award Donald Trump its inaugural "FIFA Peace Prize" earlier this year, which sparked an ethics complaint. This remark underscores the ongoing interplay between politics, media, and entertainment that defines much of Kimmel's comedy.
The situation highlights how celebrity feuds and political narratives continue to influence major entertainment events, with Kimmel positioning himself at the center of this dynamic. His promise adds an intriguing layer of speculation to the upcoming Oscar seasons, blending humor with pointed social commentary.
