Chris Rock officially hosting the 2015 Oscars
“It’s great to be back,” Chris Rock said in a statement on Oct. 21 when ABC announced that he would be hosting the 88th annual Academy Awards for his second time. He also hosted in 2005. The comedian, 50, has been spending some time behind the scenes recently, directing Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo, but we’re so excited to see him go front and center!
“Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry,” 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!” Reggie also worked with Chris on Everybody Hates Chris.
Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, also added, “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.”
The President of ABC Entertainment, Paul Lee also referred to Chris as a “comedic powerhouse,” so of course they’re thrilled to have him back. However it was Academy CEO, Dawn Hudson, who said the most impactful statement: “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.”
