Chris Rock to Host the 88th Academy Awards

Comedian Chris Rock will host the 88th Academy Awards, producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced Wednesday.

Rock had previously hosted the 77th Academy Awards back in 2005. Last year's show was hosted by actor Neil Patrick Harris, whose hosting duties didn't fare all that well with audiences as evident by the show's lowest ratings in the past six years. Hill and Hudlin are hoping to inject some liveliness back into the award show.

“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!”

“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.”

The 2016 Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 28.