Chris Rock selected to host 2016 Oscars
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced today (Wednesday, October 21, 2015) in a press release, that comedian, actor and filmmaker Chris Rock will return to the Oscar stage to host the show for a second time. Previous releases from the Academy indicated that two people would host the next Oscars and it appears that whatever the plans were must of come into trouble. Rock will be hosting the 88th Academy Awards that will be broadcast live on Oscar Sunday, February 28, 2016, on ABC. Rock's last time hosting this illustrious event was in 2005.
“Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry,” said Hill and Hudlin. “Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, documentarian – he’s done it all. He’s going to be a phenomenal Oscar host!”
“I'm so glad to be hosting the Oscars,” said Rock. “It's great to be back.”
“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.”
"Chris Rock is a comedic powerhouse who will bring tremendous energy to the event, and we’re honored to have him,” said Paul Lee, President ABC Entertainment Group.
Chris Rock has been entertaining for more than three decades. His recent gig was directing the HBO comedy special "Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo," which debuted on HBO earlier this month. His last feature film, "Top Five," was released in 2014, it was a film that Rock wrote, directed and starred in and won critical acclaim. His 2009 documentary, "Good Hair," was also a critical success.
Rock was a cast member of "Saturday Night Live," from 1990 to 1993, which propel his career path into one of the most successful stand-up comedians of all time. He created his own sitcom titled, "Everybody Hates Chris," which ran on television from 2005 to 2009. He served as executive producer for the series and provided the narration for each episode.
Rock has also had a successful career on the big screen as well. Some of his most popular film are: "Head of State," "I Think I Love My Wife," "Death at a Funeral," "Madagascar," "Nurse Betty," and "The Longest Yard." Not only did he act in each film listed, he also served as producer, director and writer for many of the films in this list.
Rock took Broadway by storm in 2011, when he starred in "The Motherfucker with the Hat." The show was nominated for six Tony Awards, including a nomination for Best Play.
But Rock is mostly known for groundbreaking stand-up career. He has won four Emmy Awards for his comedy specials and series, including "Chris Rock - Kill the Messenger," "Chris Rock: Bring the Pain," and "The Chris Rock Show."
Rock is also the winner of three Grammy Awards for his comedy albums "Never Scared," "Roll with the New," and "Never Scared, Bigger and Blacker."
The 88th Academy Awards will be held on Oscar Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. It will be televised live across the globe by ABC.