Breaking News: Chris Rock to Host The 2016 Oscars

Breaking News: Chris Rock has been confirmed as host of the 88th Academy Awards. The news was confirmed by producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin.

Rock is no stranger having previously hosted the Oscars in 2005. The veteran comic is allegedly being courted heavily by the new Oscar co-producer Reginald Hudlin (yes, as in the Hudlin Brothers and “House Party”), who directed the pilot of Rock’s popular but now defunct TV series “Everybody Hates Chris.”

Reginald Hudlin

Last month the Academy named Hudlin as a co-producer of next year’s ceremony after ratings sharply fell 16% for the 2015 telecast, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris (aka Doogie Houser, MD). The search for potential hosts started approximately six weeks ago with focus shifting to a solo host.

Rock, received thumbs-up from critics for his previous hosting stint, but ruffled a few feathers with his taunts at the industry. The 2016 Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Feb. 28, 2016.