When considering Jimmy Kimmel’s status among the Kens in Barbie land, his ambitions are far from grandiose. In fact, they’re barely Kenough.
“Which Ken am I? Oh, Rapidly Balding Ken,” he said.
OK, but maybe with a hint of the buff “Kenmaid,” played by John Cena in Barbie, or a dollop of Ryan Gosling’s beach-loving Ken?
“No, not a Beach Ken. Just Rapidly Balding Ken,” he deadpans.
Thankfully, Jimmy Kimmel holds a steady job, and on March 10, he’ll tackle the most significant Hollywood event by hosting the Oscars for the fourth time (the 96th Academy Awards will air on ABC at 7 pm EST).
“We work very hard to make the show as good as it possibly can be,” says the Emmy-winning comedian, 56, who is as enthusiastic about hosting as he ever was.
“I feel like the Kansas City Chiefs going into this Oscars—like you’ve been there before, but it doesn’t make a difference. It’s still exciting, and you still have to do well!”
Kimmel also acknowledges his wife, Molly McNearney, returning as the show’s co-executive producer, and the rest of their efficient creative team, for what he anticipates will be a “fun” night.
Barbie, with eight Oscar nominations, including one for Best Picture and a Best Supporting Actor nod for Ryan Gosling, should provide ample material for the show. According to sources, Gosling will sing “I’m Just Ken,” one of two songs nominated from the film.
“We have some good Barbie stuff in store,” teases Kimmel. “We’re hoping Barbie has the same effect on the Oscars that Taylor Swift had on the Super Bowl.”
Until then, and right up until showtime, Kimmel will refine his monologue and transform timely material into comedic brilliance.
“We have a fun show planned,” he says. “We’ve got some really great movies and great actors and performers… It’s tricky, but I think we have it as figured out as much as you can!”
