Chris Rock‘s so-called “controversial” Oscars gig was not that controversial after all.
The actor first hosted the Oscars telecast in 2005. At the time, he sparked a wide range of reactions with his humourous opening monologue and Jude Law joke. As a result, USA Today television critic Robert Bianco called him one of the “worst hosts” ever.
However, a decade after the incident, producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced in a statement that the multi-hyphenate artiste and filmmaker will return to host the Oscars again.
Hill and Hudlin have a combination of factors to believe that he’d be an entertaining host for next year’s Academy Awards. According to Hill and Hudlin, the actor is “truly the MVP of the entertainment industry”.
They added:
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. He is certain to bring his amazing array of talents to this year’s show,” said Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs in a statement.
Academy CEO Dawn Hudson also revealed that they “couldn’t be happier” to welcome Rock back as they “think of him as a creative innovator in many other ways. On the other hand, ABC Entertainment Group President Paul Lee believes that Rock, who is a comedic powerhouse, “will bring tremendous energy to the event”.
Known internationally for his groundbreaking stand-up comedy, Rock has a professional career that spanned more than 3 decades. He has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and TV as a comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director.
Having achieved record audience numbers around the world, he made his Broadway debut starring in “The Motherfucker with the Hat,” which was nominated for 6 Tony Awards. He then earned 3 Grammy awards for his comedy albums “Never Scared”, “Bigger and Blacker”, and “Roll with the New”.
Regarding his return to Osars as a host, Rock said, “I’m so glad to be hosting the Oscars. It’s great to be back.”
Look who's back. #Oscars. pic.twitter.com/7TkkrDpSJM
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) October 21, 2015
The 88th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday (28th February 2016) at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood.
It will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7pm ET/4pm PT. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
Source: Oscars.
