Jimmy Kimmel’s supposedly “unfunny” monologue did not quite resonate with Oscar viewers. Hosting for the fourth time, the talk show host made numerous puns about attendees, from poking fun at the recent box office bomb Madame Web to jesting about Barbie director Greta Gerwig‘s absence from the best director category, and even commenting on Robert Downey Jr.’s challenging Hollywood journey. Shortly after Kimmel finished his opening segment, his name began trending on X, formerly Twitter.

His opening monologue did not satisfy the audience as social media users criticized the puns as uncomfortable, awkward, and unfunny. Some even suggested that the Academy should have heeded their requests for a different host instead of re-signing Jimmy Kimmel. While Kimmel has had a prosperous career in entertainment, he has not entirely been immune to criticism, and accusations of being mean-spirited and offensive are not new to him.

Kimmel’s controversial stunts, political commentary, and hosting decisions have cultivated a strong dislike towards the late-night host among certain viewers. While Kimmel may appear to handle his opening monologues with ease, hosting the Oscars is no cakewalk. Across more than nine decades, the role of the host has evolved dramatically at the Academy Awards. Despite his divisive reputation, this change in the media landscape somehow makes Jimmy Kimmel the ideal candidate for this task.

The host has one strong reason why he is the perfect choice for hosting the Oscars, and it hinges heavily on his talk show.

Why Jimmy Kimmel is the right person for the job despite the hate?

Over the years, the Oscars have been a magnet for controversies. But Jimmy Kimmel has a unique advantage. Even if he lands himself in hot water, he can come back on his talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! the very next night or the one after and set the record straight. Comedian Kathy Griffin once shared how Kimmel’s team concocted a sketch for her on Jimmy Kimmel Live! just two days after Elon Musk ousted her from X, all in good humor.

Jimmy Kimmel is pretty much tailor-made for the hosting because he has that outlet, and audiences can tune in to see him provide context to different scenarios. Kimmel counts on his ability to improvise on the spot and crack jokes that toe the line of conventions, which certainly helps the entertaining factor as well, making him the ideal candidate.

What do you think about Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!