Jimmy Kimmel earned some stellar reviews for his hosting gig at the 68th Emmy Awards last weekend, and ABC would like to invite the emcee back for an even bigger television event: The 2017 Oscars.



Ben Sherwood, the president of Disney/ABC Television Group, told reporters at a Q&A at the Paley Center for Media on Thursday that his number one pick for next year's Oscars host was Kimmel, based on the comedian's performance at this year's Emmys.



"We thought Jimmy elevated the Emmys," Sherwood said at the Paley event. "We thought Jimmy has earned and we're very hopeful that Jimmy will get it."



Of course, the decision is not Sherwood or ABC's to make -- that power lies solely with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The exec did say, however, that the Academy will come up with a shortlist and present it to the network as a courtesy.



Kimmel himself hasn't commented yet on ABC's endorsement, but his selection would make sense, since late night hosts have taken the high-profile gig many times before. David Letterman hosted back in 1995 (in what was considered a disastrous outing), Jon Stewart emceed twice (in 2006 and 2008), and Johnny Carson was a regular on the Oscars stage, hosting five times from 1979 to 1984.



It will probably be a while before the Academy makes its selection, especially considering the Oscars are so far off, so stay tuned. The telecast is slated to air on ABC on February 26, 2017.







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