Standup comedians are having a comeback moment. First, Tracy Morgan returned to host “Saturday Night Live” after a devastating car accident and announced that he would tour in 2016. Then, Eddie Murphy dipped a toe back into standup while accepting the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday.
Now, it’s Chris Rock’s turn.
The beloved comic announced on Twitter on Wednesday that he’ll be back to host the Oscars in 2016, for a second time.
The Academy seems pretty excited to welcome him back.
“Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry,” Academy Awards producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin said in a statement. “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,” Rock said. “It’s great to be back.”
Rock hosted the 77th Oscar awards in 2005 and didn’t change his confrontational comedic style for the show, poking fun at celebs like Jude Law. While Rock was praised by some critics for being himself, he was also chastised by those who simply couldn’t take the joke(s).
He’ll join an illustrious group of standup comedians who have hosted of multiple Oscar ceremonies; it includes Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Bob Hope, Ellen DeGeneres and Steve Martin.
The 88th Academy Awards will be broadcast live February 28 on ABC.