ABC executives are looking very closely at Jimmy Kimmel to fill Barbara Walters' shoes for hosting its annual Oscar Special.



"Jimmy is a rising star at ABC, and with his hilarious post-Oscar special already huge with the younger demographic everyone wants to reach," a friend of Jimmy tells me. "It makes perfect sense for ABC to want to replace Barbara with funny Jimmy."

Jimmy's post-Oscar show was indeed hilarious, so I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be just as good before the ceremony starts. However, sources at ABC tell me it's not a done deal yet.

So Jimmy, you have time to practice getting your guests to cry before you fill Babs' Jimmy Choo's.

http://www.popeater.com/2010/03/09/jimmy-kimmel-barbara-walters-oscars/