For the third time in Television Academy history, Jimmy Kimmel will return as the host for the annual Emmy Awards this year.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Emmys will return later this year and serve as the first major awards show to take place since the novel coronavirus put the global entertainment industry at a standstill.
The Television Academy confirmed the news in an official press release on Tuesday.
“We know Jimmy Kimmel will deliver a uniquely entertaining, funny and moving Primetime Emmys show,” Karey Burke, the president of ABC Entertainment, wrote in the statement.
“He’s a true master of ceremonies who reveres this industry and its people; and just as Jimmy has done with his own show over the past few months, he will tackle this momentous event with heart and humour, and bring some much-needed joy and optimism to our television colleagues and viewers at home.”
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On receiving the news, Kimmel, 52, tweeted: “I don’t know where, how, or even why we are doing this, but we are and I am hosting it!”
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The famed late-night TV personality hosted the prestigious awards ceremony in 2012 and 2016.
The 72nd annual Emmy Awards are scheduled to take place and broadcast live on Sept. 20, starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Nominations for the highly anticipated event will be announced by the Television Academy on July 28.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
In situations where you can’t keep a safe distance from others, public health officials recommend the use of a non-medical face mask or covering to prevent spreading the respiratory droplets that can carry the virus.
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