The News
Jimmy Kimmel Set to Roast Meghan and Harry Again at 2024 Oscars
Jimmy Kimmel, the renowned late-night comedian, is gearing up to host the prestigious Oscars for the fourth time, promising a night of laughter and potential humiliation for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
Despite not receiving an invitation, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are likely to be the subject of Kimmel's sharp wit on the red carpet once more.
The 96th Academy Awards, scheduled to take place at the Dolby Theatre on March 10, 2024, will see Kimmel take the stage as the host, a role he has previously undertaken in 2017, 2018, and most recently in 2023.
Having also helmed the Primetime Emmy Awards in 2012, 2016, and 2020, Kimmel's hosting prowess has proven to be a ratings magnet.
According to the New York Times, his previous stints as Oscar host led to a significant boost in viewership, with numbers climbing from 16.6 million to nearly 19 million.
Despite facing disruptions due to the WGA strike, Kimmel's return to television screens was met with enthusiasm, as his ABC show garnered impressive ratings upon resuming broadcast on October 2nd, marking its highest season debut in six years.
The prospect of Kimmel hosting the Oscars not only means Meghan and Harry will be kept off the red carpet but also signals a potential comedic takedown of the royal couple on stage.
While last year's ceremony saw Chris Rock being famously slapped by Will Smith, this year's focus may shift to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have previously been targets of ridicule at Hollywood events.
PR expert Matt Yanofsky noted that the couple's diminished status in the US has made them susceptible to public mockery, evident in recent satirical portrayals on popular shows like South Park and Family Guy.
As anticipation builds for the Oscars, speculations abound regarding how Meghan and Harry will be portrayed during the event.
With the couple's controversial decisions and public image under scrutiny, industry insiders predict that they could be in the crosshairs of comedians like Kimmel, known for his unapologetic humor.
Despite their attempts to control their narrative, the royal pair's actions have left them vulnerable to criticism, a reality that may play out on the grand stage of the Oscars, known for its candid and sometimes cutting commentary.
The dynamics of Hollywood's reception towards Meghan and Harry reflect a broader sentiment within the entertainment industry.
While traditional figures like Catherine and William are praised for their decorum and adherence to protocol, the Sussexes' perceived sense of entitlement and outspokenness have alienated them from the establishment.
As the couple navigates their new roles outside the royal fold, they continue to attract attention and scrutiny, a double-edged sword that could see them becoming fodder for the entertainment industry's relentless appetite for drama and spectacle.