Photo by Randy Holmes

Jimmy Kimmel will host next year's 89th annual Academy Awards, his first time at the helm.

The news is hardly a surprise, as Kimmel and ABC—which carries his Jimmy Kimmel Live and the annual Oscars—had recently been jockeying for the gig. He has also been the network's go-to man for past events, hosting the Emmy Awards on ABC in 2012 and again this year, as well as the 2007 ESPYs and four consecutive years has hosting the American Music Awards, which air on none other than ABC.

As Variety points out, the host choice is the latest sign of the solidarity between the Academy and ABC. Back in August, the trophy show was renewed through 2028. 

The 2017 Oscars are set for Feb. 26, airing live on ABC.