While discussing his Oscars hosting gig, Jimmy Kimmel took a shot at U.S. Presdient-elect Donald Trump. Kimmel joked he had received a congratulatory call from the President of Taiwan, adding, "She called me, not the other way around."
According to The Washington Post, Jimmy Kimmel was referring to the incident when Donald Trump broke a telpehone protocol after calling Taiwan president Tsai Ing-wen. The call was seen as a move to restore communication between the two countries and the first between the two leaders since 1979. However, Trump's advisers are saying that Tsai Ing-wen called Trump to congratulate him on his win and not the other way around.
In an Entertainment Weekly report, Jimmy Kimmel also joked that he was chosen as the host of the 2017 Academy Awards since he tapes Jimmy Kimmel Live just across the street from where the Oscars is being held, making it convenient for him to go to the venue. The Oscars are going to be held at the Dolby Theater while Jimmy Kimmel tapes his show in the Kodak Theater.
Oscars producers Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd released a statement last Monday on why they chose Jimmy Kimmel to host the show and they said it was his "ability to connect with people is what makes him a singular choice for this job." They also added that, "His frank observations, relatable persona, wry humor and love of all kinds of film make him a fit for the Oscars."
The Oscars will be shown on ABC on February 26, 2017. Other than Jimmy Kimmel being announced as the host, the nominations for the awards have yet to be announced. The good news is movie fans don't have to wait long as they are expected to be announced on January 24, 2017.
