Jimmy Kimmel Defends Jo Koy Against Golden Globes Hosting Criticism: 'Give Him a Shot at Doing It Over'

Jimmy Kimmel
Rich Polk/Variety via Getty Images

The Oscars host defended Koy following his criticized performance at the Golden Globes.

Jimmy Kimmel knows firsthand how daunting it can be to host an awards show -- and he thinks Jo Koy deserves another shot.

In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kimmel opens up about his upcoming gig hosting the 2024 Oscars and shares sympathy for Koy's criticized performance as the host of this year's Golden Globes back in January.

"Not that I have any business programming the Golden Globes, but I think they should let Jo Koy host the show next year and give him a shot at doing it over," Kimmel offers. "It would be very smart. I think he learned all the lessons, and he's a funny guy. I think it would be nice for everyone."

After the Globes, Koy mostly caught flack for his responses to crowd reactions, and blaming the writers when jokes fell flat. (He's since called that "a rookie move.")

He also made a joke about Taylor Swift's attendance at NFL games, and the singer's viral deadpan reaction when the cameras cut to her had many thinking she wasn't amused. 

When asked how he felt about the negative reviews in GMA3 interview following the awards show, Koy said he'd be lying if he said he wasn't "a little hurt."

"Hosting is a tough gig. Yes, I am a stand-up comic but that hosting position, it's a different style," he noted. "I had an off night ... I wanted to give a little bit more of me and I just fell a little short."

As for Kimmel, who is back hosting the Oscars for the fourth time this year, he likened the emceeing job to taking a flight on a plane.

"You don’t think too much about it if it went well," he explains to THR. "If it was terrible, you tell everyone you know about it — the turbulence, the delay, how long you had to sit in the airport waiting. We just want a flight that’s on time and cocktails are served and nobody throws up."

The 2024 Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, airs live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 10, at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET on ABC. Follow along at ETonline.com for full Oscars coverage, including red carpet arrivals, the complete winners list and more.

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