Chris Rock hosted the 2005 Oscars to wide acclaim and healthy ratings. So it makes sense that new show producers Reginald Hudlin and David Hill have tempted him back to the big stage for next year’s event.
The Oscars have proved to be a tricky assignment in recent years – experiments such as having Seth MacFarlane host haven’t turned out well and even experienced event MC Neil Patrick Harris couldn’t quite make the show sing last year. Of course, it can sometimes depend on the films nominated, the stars who show up and the quality of the various segments in between the awards (plus how long the whole thing runs over time).
Originally reported by comedy site Robot Butt, the initial idea was to pair Rock with another host – Amy Schumer, whose HBO comedy special Rock recently directed, was approached but turned the idea down – and now he’s in discussions to go solo again. The 88th Academy Awards will be broadcast on February 28.