J.K. Simmons to reign as Bacchus for 2018 Mardi Gras

NEW ORLEANS – Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons will reign as Bacchus L for the 2018 Mardi Gras season.

Simmons will reign as the god of wine over the carnival krewe’s 50th anniversary parade, which rolls Feb. 11.

The krewe’s captain, Clark Brenna, said in a news release Tuesday that Simmons joins the ranks of past kings including Bob Hope, Will Ferrell, Anthony Mackie, Harry Connick Jr., Larry King, Andy Garcia and Ron Howard. Actor Jim Caviezel reigned last year.

Simmons has been in films such as “Whiplash,” ”Spider-Man,” ”Terminator Genisys,” ”Juno,” ”The Accountant” and “Patriots Day.” He’s played in television shows including NBC’s “Law & Order,” HBO’s “Oz” and TNT’s “The Closer.”

Bacchus has 1,600 members and 32 animated super floats including the Bacchagator, Bacchasaurus and the Bacchawhoppa.