Chris Rock to Host 88th Academy Awards

LOS ANGELES: Chris Rock has been tapped to host next year’s Oscars, marking the comedian and filmmaker’s second time fronting the awards show.

The 88th Academy Awards are set to be broadcast live on February 28 on ABC. The presentation will also be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide. Rock previously hosted the 77th Oscars telecast in 2005.

“Chris Rock is a comedic powerhouse who will bring tremendous energy to the event, and we’re honored to have him,” said Paul Lee, the president of ABC Entertainment Group.

“I’m so glad to be hosting the Oscars,” said Rock. “It’s great to be back.”

“Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry,” said producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin. “Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, documentarian—he’s done it all. He’s going to be a phenomenal Oscar host!”

“We share David and Reggie’s excitement in welcoming Chris, whose comedic voice has really defined a generation,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs. “He is certain to bring his amazing array of talents to this year’s show.”

“Chris may be best known as a stand-up comic, but we think of him as a creative innovator in many other ways. He is unafraid in his artistry,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to the Oscars.”