Jimmy Kimmel reveals his Oscars pay: 'I think it's illegal to pay nothing'

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- Jimmy Kimmel has let loose an Academy Award secret -- he is only getting paid $15,000 to host the prestigious event.

"You know why? I think it's illegal to pay nothing," the late night host said of his Oscars salary Wednesday while appearing on KROQ's The Kevin & Bean Show.

Kimmel also noted how he was told previous Oscar hosts such as Chris Rock and Billy Crystal received the same pay but wondered if the price is raised for repeat appearances.

"I'm not sure I was supposed to reveal this," he said. "But nobody told me not to. I consider this their fault."

Kimmel is set to take the stage for the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Feb. 26, 2017. The comedian was first announced as the night's emcee earlier in December after he had hosted the Emmy awards in September.

"They asked like 14 people and they all said no and then there was me," Kimmel joked. "I absolutely was surprised."

Known for regularly hosting special episodes of Jimmy Kimmel Live! immediately following the Oscars, the 49-year-old remained optimistic that the tradition could continue noting "We'll figure something out."

Kimmel has also made headlines recently after announcing that he and his wife Molly McNearey are expecting their second child together.