Kevin Hart to Host 2019 Oscars

By Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine
Published Dec. 5, 2018, 8:47 a.m. ET

Kevin Hart has landed a big gig, as host of the 91st Academy Awards.

The funnyman announced the plum booking on Tuesday via Instagram, saying “the day has finally come” after apparently being beseeched to host the Oscars in the past. “To be able to join the legendary list of host [sic] that have graced that stage is unbelievable.”

Jimmy Kimmel hosted this year’s Oscars telecast, which drew an all-time low audience of 24.4 million total viewers. Chris Rock, Neil Patrick Harris, Ellen DeGeneres and Seth MacFarlane hosted the immediate years prior to that.

In addition to his acting in movies such as Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and the Ride Along franchise, Hart has hosted both MTV’s Movie Awards and the VMAs as well as CBS’ TKO: Total Knockout. He has lorded over Saturday Night Live‘s Studio 8H three times.

The 91st Academy Awards — which will not yet feature a “Best in Popular Film” category — will air Sunday, Feb. 24 on ABC.

View this post on Instagram

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 host that have graced that stage is unbelievable. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now. I want to thank my family/friends/fans for supporting me & riding with me all this time….I will be sure to make this years Oscars a special one. I appreciate the @TheAcademy for the opportunity ….now it’s time to rise to the occasion #Oscars

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