Kevin Hart Will Host The 2019 Oscars

Actor and comedian Kevin Hart has been officially announced as the host of the 91st Academy Awards, due to be presented next year.

In a post on his Instagram, Hart wrote a lengthy and humble statement to declare the news, saying: “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. I want to thank my family/friends/fans for supporting me & riding with me all this time… I will be sure to make this year’s Oscars a special one. I appreciate @TheAcademy for the opportunity… now it’s time to rise to the occasion #Oscars”

Kevin Hart will be only the fourth African American to host the show, after the legendary Richard Pryor (1977, 1983), Whoopi Goldberg (1993, 1995, 1998, 2001) and Chris Rock (2005, 2016).

The 2019 Academy Awards are due to air on the 24th of February. Nominations are scheduled to be announced on the 22nd of January.