Emmy Awards
Show host Jimmy Kimmel speaks during preparations for the 68th Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California U.S., September 14, 2016.Reuters

The Oscars countdown has begun as the organisers have announced the host of the prestigious evening. Host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel will be seen entertaining the audience as he is set to host the Academy Awards 2017.

Tweeting the news, the talk show host confirmed that he will indeed be hosting the Oscars. "Yes, I am hosting the Oscars. This is not a prank. And if it is, my revenge on @TheAcademy will be terrible & sweet," he tweeted. This will be the first time that the US comedian will take the centre stage at the Dolby Theatre. Kimmel earlier hosted the American Music Awards and has presented the Emmys – in 2012 and 2016.

The 2017 Academy Awards show is being produced by Michael De Luca, producer of films including American History X and The Social Network, and Jennifer Todd, president of Ben Affleck's and Matt Damon's Pearl Street Films production company. Artists like Chris Rock, Neil Patrick Harris, Seth MacFarlane, James Franco, Anne Hathaway and Ellen DeGeneres have earlier hosted the show. 

Vote: Who will be a better host - Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel or James Corden? 

Kimmel's holiday season cheer has gone a notch up as the comedian also received the news about his second baby. Yes, Kimmel and his wife Molly McNearney are expecting their second baby together. Kimmel announced the news on his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and said that he is going to be a proud father. He made the announcement right after he confirmed that he would be hosting the award show.

It has been a Jimmy of a December as both TV show hosts – Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon – announced that they will be hosting two prestigious award shows in the 2017. While Kimmel is over the moon to be hosting the Oscars, Fallon, through a teaser video, announced that he will be taking the front seat presenting the Golden Globe Awards. The award season will also see James Corden hosting the 59th Grammy's Award Show and it will be interesting to see which of the three Night Show hosts attract more viewers.