Chris Rock returns to host Oscars

Multi-hyphenate artist and filmmaker Chris Rock will return to host the Oscars for a second time, producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin announced today. The 88th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on "Oscar Sunday," Feb. 28, 2016, on the ABC Television Network.

Rock previously hosted the 77th Oscars telecast in 2005.

"Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry," Hill and Hudlin said. "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."

"We share David and Reggie's excitement in welcoming Chris, whose comedic voice has really defined a generation," Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said. "He is certain to bring his amazing array of talents to this year's show."

"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," Academy CEO Dawn Hudson said. "We couldn't be happier to welcome him back to the Oscars."

Rock has a career spanning more than three decades. In 2014, he wrote, directed and starred in the critically acclaimed feature "Top Five," and in 2009 ventured into the documentary world as a writer, producer and star of "Good Hair."

Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and director. His feature acting credits include "I Think I Love My Wife," which he also wrote and directed; "Head of State" (writer, producer and director); "Death at a Funeral" (also producer); and the first three films in the blockbuster "Madagascar" series, as the voice of Marty. His other acting credits include "The Longest Yard," "Nurse Betty," "2 Days in New York" and "Lethal Weapon 4." In 2011, Rock made his Broadway debut. In television, Rock created, executive produced and narrated the series "Everybody Hates Chris," which ran from 2005-09 and was inspired by his childhood. He was a cast member on "Saturday Night Live" from 1990-93.

The 88th Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.