The multihyphenate will return to preside over the 88th Academy Awards in Hollywood on February 28, 2016.

Chris Rock

“I’m so glad to be hosting the Oscars,” said Rock, who emceed the 77th Academy Awards telecast in 2005. “It’s great to be back.”

“Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry,” said show producers David Hill and Reginald 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.”

“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,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to the Oscars.”

“Chris Rock is a comedic powerhouse who will bring tremendous energy to the event, and we’re honoured to have him,” said Paul Lee, president of ABC Entertainment Group.