Kevin Hart will host the 2019 Academy Awards, a role the prolific actor-comedian says fulfills a longtime dream.
Hart announced his selection for the 91st Oscars in an Instagram statement Tuesday.
The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences confirmed the news, tweeting:
“Welcome to the family, @kevinhart4real.”
The announcement came hours after trade publication The Hollywood Reporter posted a story calling the Oscars host position “the least wanted job in Hollywood.”
Hart clearly doesn’t feel that way, writing on Instagram that it has been on his list of dream jobs for years.
‘‘For years I have been asked if I would ever host the Oscars and my answer was always the same. I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s suppose to. I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time. To be able to join the legendary list of hosts that have graced that stage is unbelievable. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now “.
The excited award winning comedian who has hosted award ceremonies like, BET Awards in 2011 and the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards promised to make the 2019 Oscars a memorable one. In his words, “I will be sure to make this years Oscars a special one”
With the announcement, The Hollywood star who already has an enviable career will be joining a lineup of iconic comedians like Chris Rock, Jimmy Kimmel, Billy Crystal, Johnny Carson and Bob Hope to have hosted the prestigious event.
Hart takes over hosting duties from Jimmy Kimmel, who presided over the last two ceremonies, including 2016′s flub that resulted in the wrong best picture winner being announced. Last year’s ceremony was an all-time ratings low, and the film academy has announced a series of changes to the upcoming show .
Those include shortening the broadcast to three hours, and also presenting certain categories during commercial breaks and broadcasting excerpts of those winners’ speeches later in the show.
The 39-year-old Hart has become a bankable star with films such as “Ride Along,” ″Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “Night School.”
Celebrities including Martin Lawrence and Chris Rock, who hosted the ceremony in 2005 and 2016, posted congratulatory messages about Hart’s selection Tuesday night.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow Africa Update Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!