As Jimmy Kimmel prepares to host the Academy Awards for the fourth time, he’s hinting that his days on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” might be numbered.

In a heartfelt conversation with the Los Angeles Times, the 56-year-old talk show star mentioned that his current contract could be his last. “I think this is my final contract,” Kimmel said, fully aware that his words might be met with disbelief. “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 given Kimmel a reason to reflect. Even though he’s reached this significant milestone, he’s comfortable with the idea that his final two-plus years on his current contract might be just right. “I still have a little more than two years left on my contract, and that seems pretty good,” he affirmed. “That seems like enough.”

Thinking about life after late-night television leaves Kimmel with some uncertainty. “It might not be anything that anyone other than me is aware of,” he mused. He hinted at his varied interests, from cooking and drawing to potentially delving into sculpture.