|
 Rock, a stand-up comedian and former cast member of the
long-running sketch show "Saturday Night Live," last hosted the
live Academy Awards telecast in 2005, making headlines for his
pointed remarks on politics and race and helping to draw an
audience of some 41.5 million U.S. viewers.
The hosting job is regarded as one of the biggest honors in the
entertainment industry. But it is also one of the most
difficult, as it requires mixing comedic monologues, keeping a
three-hour plus show moving, and entertaining both the movie
industry's biggest players in the audience as well as viewers at
home.
Oscars producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin said Rock, who
is also an actor, writer, producer and director, was their "No.
1 choice. Period."
"We looked at the (2005) Oscars and said it doesn't get better
than this. Let's see is Chris is available," Hill told Reuters.
Rock, 50, said in a statement, "It's great to be back."
The producers said they planned to move away from the song and
dance show feel in recent years under hosts that included
Broadway star Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris. Under Harris
last year, the U.S. television audience fell to its lowest in
six years with some 36.6 million viewers.
"Rock screams film, and that is what we are doing with the show
this year. The show is going to be about movies," Hill said.
The duo denied that the choice of Rock also reflected criticism
that last year's nominees for the movie industry's highest
awards were overwhelmingly white.
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 "Not at all. We were simply looking for the best," Hill said.
Salon.com's Anna Silman on Wednesday noted that some of the most
memorable moments of recent awards shows have dealt with the lack of
diversity in the entertainment industry.
"It will be great to have a host who isn’t afraid to confront that
head on," Silman wrote of Rock's selection.
In 2005, Rock delivered biting criticism of then U.S. President
George W. Bush. The 2016 Academy Award ceremony will take place as
the U.S. presidential election campaign moves into high gear, giving
Rock an opportunity for pointed political comedy once again.
Rock, a four-time Emmy winner, created and produced the TV sitcom
"Everybody Hates Chris," based on his own life, which ran from 2005
to 2009. His movie appearances include "Lethal Weapon 4" and "The
Longest Yard."
The Academy Awards ceremony will take place in Hollywood on Feb. 28.
Nominations will be announced in January.
Other recent hosts include Ellen DeGeneres, Jon Stewart, James
Franco and Anne Hathaway, and Seth MacFarlane.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Susan Heavey, Will Dunham,
Lisa Lambert and Bernard Orr)
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