Chris Rock in talks to host 2016 Oscars

OHMYGOSSIP — Comedian Chris Rock is in talks to host the 2016 Academy Awards show and could be announced as the new host soon, sources said.

The veteran actor and stand-up comedian would be hosting the Oscars for the second time, if a deal is reached. Rock’s first hosting stint came in 2005. He was a hit with viewers and critics, but fired a few shots at Hollywood that some in the film industry did not like.

Since then, myriad hosts have come and gone with varying degrees of success and a few notable failures. Ellen DeGeneres and Jon Stewart have each hosted twice as well. Long-time host Billy Crystal returned as a late fill in for Eddie Murphy in 2012, and Seth McFarlane gave a boost to ratings but offended many older viewers with off-color humor.

Hugh Jackman and last year’s host Neil Patrick Harris, who was a success with the Tony Awards show, drew record lows. The 2011 co-hosts James Franco and Anne Hathaway were roundly slammed as perhaps the worst hosts ever.

Rock is friendly with new Oscar co-producer Reginald Hudlin, who directed the pilot episode of Rock’s popular former show Everybody Hates Chris.

The other co-producer is David Hill, a live TV veteran with Fox Sports and American Idol. Together the producers have promised the 2016 show will add new elements while keeping some Oscar traditions.

The 2016 Oscars show will be broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Feb. 28, 2016.