It seems that Chris Rock (Top Five) is mending the fences with the Academy, as reports surfaced earlier today stating Rock is in talks to return to host the Oscars for the first time in over ten years.
Rock had hosting duties at the 2005 Oscars, so the comedian is no stranger to the limelight of Tinseltown’s most prestigious night. Things weren’t so rosy back then though, as some of his jokes aimed at the Academy drew criticism, including what some thought to be shots taken at Jude Law and white actors. But today, that seems like a lifetime ago.
In the time since his he last hosted, ten people have hosted the Oscars: Jon Stewart (twice), Ellen DeGeneres (twice), Hugh Jackman, Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin (2010), infamously James Franco and Anne Hathaway (2011), Billy Crystal, Seth MacFarlane, and Neil Patrick Harris.
With ratings dropping at a 16% rate from the year before, Neil Patrick Harris’ first time hosting might prove to be his last. The Academy, led by Reginald Hudlin and and David Hill – chosen to as producers of the 2016 telecast – are in charge of choosing a new host that can ignite interest in the awards show. And it seems that they believe the outspoken Chris Rock may just be the man to do that.
Adding to the rumors, in the past, Hudlin and Rock have worked together in the now cancelled TV series, Everybody Hates Chris. Hudlin directed the pilot for the Chris Rock-childhood themed show, which aired for 4 season from 2005 to 2009.
No definitive decision has been agreed upon, so things as they stand, are subject to change. We’ll be sure to pass along the news once a definitive selection has been made.
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