Oscars 2016: Chris Rock to Host 88th Annual Academy Awards Ceremony

The 2016 Oscars ceremony will be hosted by Chris Rock, the telecast producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin have announced on October 21.

Chris Rock previously hosted the 77th annual Academy Awards in 2005, when the reception to his opening monologue and some controversial jokes was mixed.

“I’m so glad to be hosting the Oscars,” the actor and comedian said.

“It’s great to be back.”

The 88th Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016.

The 2015 ceremony, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, had the lowest Oscar ratings for six years, and were down 16% on the previous year, when Ellen DeGeneres had been at the helm.

“Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry,” said 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.”

In 2005 – the year that Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby won best picture – Chris Rock received a standing ovation before uttering a word and began by ordering the assembled A-listers to “sit your asses down”.

Chris Rock’s recent film roles include I Think I Love My Wife, Head of State, Death at a Funeral and the first three films in the blockbuster Madagascar series, as the voice of Marty.