The Academy Awards are just around the corner, but the search for a host continues after both John Mulaney and Jimmy Kimmel reportedly declined the gig.

Sources close to the Academy Awards have confirmed that both comedians were approached about hosting the 96th annual ceremony. However, both Mulaney and Kimmel ultimately passed on the opportunity.

Mulaney’s decision comes just months after a highly successful stint hosting the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, where he garnered praise for his sharp wit and self-deprecating humor. His recent stand-up tour, “From Scratch,” has also been met with critical acclaim.

Kimmel, on the other hand, is no stranger to the Oscars stage, having hosted the 90th and 91st ceremonies in 2018 and 2019 respectively. While his previous efforts were met with mixed reviews, he is widely considered a capable and experienced host.

The reasons for their respective decisions are unknown, but industry insiders speculate that both comedians might be seeking to prioritize other projects.

The news comes as a blow to the Academy, which has struggled to find consistent hosts in recent years. The 2022 ceremony was hosted by a rotating group of presenters, a move that drew mixed reactions.

With the clock ticking down to the ceremony, the Academy is now facing a race against time to secure a new host or hosts. While the organization has not yet made an official statement, speculation is rife about potential replacements, with names like Trevor Noah, Wanda Sykes, and Seth Meyers floating around.

Will the Academy find a new duo to embrace the challenge? Or will the 96th Oscars go hostless again? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the pressure is on to find a host who can bring back the sparkle and laughter to the biggest night in Hollywood.