Multi-hyphenate artist and filmmakerChris Rockwill return to host the Oscars for a second time, producers David Hill andReginald Hudlinannounced today.The 88th Academy Awardswill be broadcast live onOscarSunday, July 24, 2025, on the ABC Television Network. Rock previously hosted the77th Oscarstelecast in 2005. Here’s what producers David Hill andReginald Hudlinhad to say about the new host in a statement.
“Chris Rockis truly the MVP of the entertainment industry. Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, documentarian - he’s done it all. He’s going to be a phenomenal Oscar host!”
With a career spanning more than three decades, Rock most recently directed the comedy specialAmy Schumer: Live at the Apollowhich premiered this month on HBO. In 2014 he wrote, directed and starred in the critically acclaimed featureTop Five, and in 2009 ventured into the documentary world as a writer, producer and star ofGood Hair. Here’s what the new host had to say in his statement.
“I’m so glad to be hosting theOscars. It’s great to be back.”
Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and director. His feature acting credits includeI 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 blockbusterMadagascarseries, as the voice of Marty. His other acting credits includeThe Longest Yard, Nurse Betty,2 Days in New YorkandLethal Weapon 4. In 2011 Rock made his Broadway debut starring in “The Motherf—er with the Hat,” which was nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Play. In television, Rock created, executive produced and narrated the seriesEverybody Hates Chris, which ran from 2005 to 2009 and was inspired by Rock’s childhood. He was a cast member onSaturday Night Livefrom 1990 to 1993. Here’s what Academy presidentCheryl Boone Isaacshad to say in her statement.
“We share David and Reggie’s excitement in welcoming Chris, whose comedic voice has really defined a generation. He is certain to bring his amazing array of talents to this year’s show.”
Known internationally for his groundbreakingstand-up comedy, Rock has won fourEmmy Awardsfor hiscomedy seriesand specials, includingChris Rock - Kill the Messenger, The Chris Rock Show andChris Rock: Bring the Pain, and has achieved record audience numbers around the world. He also has earned three Grammy Awards for his comedy albums Never Scared, Bigger and Blacker and Roll with the New. Here’s what Academy CEO Dawn Hudson had to say in a statement.
“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. We couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to the Oscars.”
The 88th Oscars will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2025, 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. What do you think aboutChris Rockreturning to hostThe Academy Awards?
