Jimmy Kimmel is hinting that his tenure as the host of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” may be coming to an end as he prepares for his fourth Academy Awards hosting run.

The 56-year-old talk show host said in an exclusive interview with the Los Angeles Times that his current deal might be his last act. “I think this is my final contract,” Kimmel said openly, expecting his admission to be met with suspicion. “I hate to even mention it because everyone’s laughing at me now — each time I think that, and then it turns out to not be the case.”

Celebrating the 21st anniversary of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” has prompted introspection for Kimmel. Despite the milestone, he views the remaining two-plus years on his current contract as a satisfactory duration. “I still have a little more than two years left on my contract, and that seems pretty good,” he resounded. “That seems like enough.”

Kimmel is unsure of how he will spend his leisure time after “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” as he mulls over a possible departure from late-night television. He said, “It might not be anything that anyone other than me is aware of,” giving an indication of his wide range of interests, which include cooking, drawing, and even experimenting with sculpture.

Kimmel reflected on his grandfather’s death and the effect it had on him. Seeing his grandfather’s dreams unmet had a profound effect on him and made him reflect on his own path. “I’m aware that if I’m fortunate enough to pass away in my own bed and on my own terms, I’ll reflect,’Oh, I was never able to get to this, and I was never able to get to that,'” he shared. “I just know it about myself.”

The possibility that this will be the legendary emcee’s last contract as he prepares for the Academy Awards adds excitement to his fourth term as host. In his late-night career, Kimmel has demonstrated a smooth shift between humor and sincerity, and his next hosting role could be a turning point as he negotiates the possible end of this chapter.

Although the details of Kimmel’s post-“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” endeavors are yet unknown, his open admissions regarding the limited duration of his current contract encourage viewers to consider the impact he may leave. As the countdown to the Academy Awards begins, Kimmel’s dual roles as host and potential career transition take center stage, making this upcoming Oscars broadcast a memorable chapter in the late-night luminary’s distinguished career.