After a spate of online rumours a few days ago, it has been confirmed that Chris Rock will be hosting next year’s Oscars.
It will be the second time that the comedian and actor has overseen the Academy Awards, his debut coming in 2005.
“I’m so glad to be hosting the Oscars,” he said. “It’s great to be back.” Amen to that. The 77th incarnation of the ceremony, viewed by a global audience of 42.16m, was memorable for Rock lampooning the great and the good of Tinseltown, including Colin Farrell and Jude Law amongst others. Yes sir, no one was safe back then and it’s highly unlikely that those currently under the microscope will escape this time.
Show producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin evidently couldn’t be happier: “Comedian, actor, writer, director, producer, documentarian – he’s done it all. He’s going to be a phenomenal host,” said the duo. It’s always a bit of a gamble when selecting a candidate for this prestigious gig, but Rock is as sure a thing as you’re likely to get.
Back in 2005, there was little in the way of shocks on the night, but what was notable was that Rock became the very first African-American to present, earning him a standing ovation before he’d even uttered a word. Yet even this didn’t prevent a mixed reaction afterwards for the now 50-year-old comic. He is, however, sure to be able to tread the fine line between the controversial and plain ill-advised much more deftly than Neil Patrick Harris managed to this year: “Tonight we honour Hollywood’s best and whitest – sorry, I mean brightest,” was met with more than a few groans.
The 88th Academy awards will be held on February 28, 2016, at the Hollywood & Highland Centre, and will be broadcast live on ABC. Do you think Chris will rock as host? Leave your comments below.
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