The 2016 Oscars may still be a while away, but the biggest night in film has already tapped its new host: Chris Rock. On Wednesday (Oct. 21), the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences announced that they Top Five actor will return to the prestigious program to host for a second time.
The big announcement followed a swell of rumors on Tuesday that Rock would be returning to the telecast. And, unlike a lot of rumors, this one turned out to be true. According to E! Online, Rock will host the 88th Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 28, 2016. The comedian himself confirmed the news on his Twitter.
Look who's back. #Oscars. pic.twitter.com/7TkkrDpSJM
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) October 21, 2015
"Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry," Oscars producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin said in a statement. "Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, documentarian-he's done it all. He's going to be a phenomenal Oscar host."
Rock has already proved himself to be a reliable figure at the Oscars. He previously hosted the 77th Annual Academy Awards in 2005. That telecast brought in 42.16 million viewers. According to Deadline, this year's Neil Patrick Harris hosted ceremonies pulled in 36.6 million viewers, the lowest this decade. Tapping Rock, who is a popular figure but not afraid to have little run-ins with the establishment, is certainly a way to gather up bigger ratings.
Beside Harris, other recent Oscars hosts include Ellen DeGeneres, Seth McFarlene, Billy Crystal and Hugh Jackman.
The 2016 Oscars are set to air on on Feb. 28, 2016, on ABC from the Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles. Nominees for the 88th Academy Awards will be announced on Jan. 16, 2016.
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