US comedian Chris Rock to host Oscars

In this Feb. 28, 2015 file photo, comedian Chris Rock performs at Comedy Central’s “Night of Too Many Stars: America Comes Together for Autism Programs” in New York. Rock will return to host the Oscars for a second time. The show’s producers say the prolific comedian-filmmaker will be at the helm for the 88th Academy Awards next February 28. He first hosted the awards ceremony in 2005. Invision/AP Photo

LOS ANGELES, United States—US comedian and actor Chris Rock will return to host the Oscars in February for a second time, organizers announced on Wednesday.

“Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry,” David Hill and Reginald Hudlin, the producers of the show that will be held February 28 in Los Angeles, said in a statement.

“Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, documentarian—he’s done it all.  He’s going to be a phenomenal Oscar host!”

The 50-year-old Rock—a veteran of “Saturday Night Live” and star of several films—confirmed his appearance with a tweet that said “Look who’s back.”

Rock last hosted the Oscars in 2005 when “Million Dollar Baby” won best picture. He got mixed reviews, with some panning his performance and others praising his biting humor.

Many at the time took offense to his attacks against several actors including Jude Law and Colin Farrell.

Rock most recently wrote and starred in rom-com “Top Five” and directed Amy Schumer’s stand-up comedy special on HBO.

Last year’s Oscars was hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, who struggled through the show. It was the lowest-rated Oscars telecast in six years.

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