Jimmy reveals his pay for hosting 2017 Oscars

Popular TV host Jimmy Kimmel has revealed that he will be paid $15,000 to host the 89th Academy Awards ceremony.

Though the figures may seem a bit low, compared to what he normally makes, the 49-year-old comedian joked about the sum, saying, “I think it’s illegal to pay nothing,” reported Variety. “I’m not sure I was supposed to reveal this. But nobody told me not to. I consider this their fault,” he said.

In addition to ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!,’ the star has also hosted his own Oscars aftershow on ABC within the last few years. Asked if his pay is on par with famous past hosts like Billy Crystal and Chris Rock, Kimmel replied “That’s what they told me.” Kimmel, who was announced as the Oscars host on December 5, said he was surprised to get the gig.

“They asked like 14 people and they all said no and then there was me. I absolutely was surprised.” The 89th Annual Academy Awards air February 26 on ABC.