COMEDIAN Anthony Anderson could potentially host the Oscars following Jimmy Kimmel’s decision to step down.

Network bosses consider Anderson, who starred in ABC’s hit show Black-ish, a solid bet to host the biggest night in Hollywood.

Jimmy Kimmel performs his opening monologue onstage while hosting the 89th Annual Academy AwardsCredit: Getty

Anthony Anderson hosted the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on January 15 in Los Angeles, CaliforniaCredit: Getty

Anthony Anderson poses with late-night host Jimmy Kimmel during his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel LiveCredit: Getty
Insiders have told The U.S. Sun Kimmel and his team have also “privately endorsed” Anderson, 53, as the face of the event.

Anderson was critically praised for his work as the host of the Emmy Awards earlier this year.

“Anthony is well-liked across the network both as an actor and entertainer,” an ABC insider revealed.

“He is respected, considered easy to get on with, a great collaborator and is friendly with many major Hollywood stars.

“He is on the shortlist to present the Academy Awards, especially after his performance at the Emmys.

“Hollywood A-listers love seeing him live, as he has that talent to be cheeky rather than snarky about many of them in his jokes,” the source added.

“His appeal to audiences across many age groups is also a huge plus.

“He is seen by many at the network as being in the hot seat.”

Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon & Late Night with Seth Meyers to undergo change

After the Emmys in January, the media asked Anderson about a potential Oscar night gig.
Jimmy Kimmel declines hosting the Oscars in 2025 after bringing in ‘the highest ratings in four years’ during 2024 show
“I would love to host another one. You’ll have to ask the Academy that,” he replied.

PASSING THE TORCH

Along with endorsing his pal, Kimmel is also hoping his pal will someday take over his seat on his late-night talk show.

Insiders revealed Kimmel, who recently teased he has just two more years on his “final contract,” believes Anderson would make an excellent successor.

Celebs Who Have Hosted The Oscars The Most

Bob Hope – 19 Times

Billy Crystal – 9 Times

Johnny Carson – 5 Times

Jimmy Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg, Jack Lemmon – 4 Times

Steve Martin, Jerry Lewis, David Niven – 3 Times

“Anthony has Jimmy’s backing to take the Oscars gig and also feels he would make a great go at his late night role when he leaves,” the insider explained.

“Jimmy and his production team rate Anthony so highly and feel being a late night host allows him to show off his stand-up comedy skills and natural gift of being funny and clever on screen.

“Jimmy loves having him as a guest, often allowing him much long time slots than other talent.

“The fact he has hosted in his place over a dozen times speaks volumes too. It has not gone unnoticed how smooth the transition is and the laughter from the audience during recordings,” they added.

11

Jimmy Kimmel photographed at the 95th Oscars Red Carpet Roll Out on March 8, 2023Credit: Getty

11

John Mulaney attends the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ 14th Annual Governors Awards on January 9Credit: Getty

OPTING OUT

It was revealed earlier this week that Kimmel and John Mulaney, 41, both declined to host the Dolby Theatre’s 2025 Academy Awards.

Kimmel, 56, has hosted the Oscars four times before, including the last two shows.

His comeback came after the awards show went without an emcee from 2019 to 2021 and was led by actors Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes, and Amy Schumer in 2022.

His hosting stint this past March was met with the highest ratings the Oscars has seen in the last four years.

11

Anthony Anderson steps in for Jimmy Kimmel and hosts an episode of his late-night show in JulyCredit: Disney
Along with opting out of the upcoming gig, Kimmel also recently hinted that his days on Jimmy Kimmel Live may be winding down.

“I think this is my final contract,” he admitted to the Los Angeles Times.

“I hate to even say it, because everyone’s laughing at me now – each time I think that, and then it turns out to not be the case.”

He noted the show’s 21st anniversary seemed to be a satisfactory potential ending.

11

Comedian Anthony Anderson holds an Emmy Award and poses for a promotional photoCredit: Getty

11

TV host Jimmy Kimmel speaks onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards in 2023Credit: AFP
“I still have a little more than two years left on my contract, and that seems pretty good,” he said.

“That seems like enough.”

ANDERSON’S TAKEOVER

Anderson guest-hosted for Kimmel just two weeks ago, where he spoke on the Trump assassination attempt.

“I wonder what Jimmy Kimmel is going say about this on Monday. And then I was like ‘oh s*** I am Jimmy Kimmel on Monday,'” he joked at the start of the episode.

Anderson urged America to step back “from all the hatred and vitriol in our politics and maybe chill the f*** out.”

READ MORE ON THE US SUN

PASS THE TORCH 

Jimmy ‘endorses’ ABC fan-favorite to host 2025 Oscars as star is ‘solid bet’

NO JOKE 

Hunter Biden’s shock reaction as he’s asked if dad Joe will pardon gun charges

In addition to hosting, Anderson starred as Andre “Dre” Johnson on ABC’s beloved sitcom Black-ish, which ran for eight seasons.

The actor received 11 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and three Golden Globe Award nominations.

11

Anthony Anderson laughs with host Jimmy Kimmel during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel LiveCredit: Getty

11

Anthony Anderson speaks onstage at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Peacock Theater on January 15 in Los Angeles, CaliforniaCredit: Getty

11

Stars of the ABC sitcom Black-ish pose around a kitchen table for a group photo in 2021Credit: Getty