The Oscars have finally found their host for this year’s awards in comedic actor Kevin Hart.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has officially recruited Kevin Hart to host the 91st Annual Academy Awards ceremony.
Hart took to Instagram to share the good news with fans far and wide, posting a photo of the famed golden statue along with a heartfelt caption in which he talked about how much the upcoming hosting gig means to him.
“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 supposed to,” wrote Hart. “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.”
Hart wrapped up his lengthy caption by thanking his family, friends, and fans for their continued support.
“I will be sure to make this year’s Oscars a special one,” continued Hart. “I appreciate The Academy for the opportunity…now it’s time to rise to the occasion.”
Hart isn’t the only first timer working on the 91st annual ceremony.
February’s award show will be spearheaded by first-time producers Donna Gigliotti and Glenn Weiss, who will be tasked with overseeing the show. They’ll be serving as producer and co-producer/director, respectively.
This may be Hart’s first year hosting the Oscars, but he’s no stranger to emceeing events. Most recently, he teamed up with friend and frequent big screen co-star Dwaye Johnson to host the MTV Movie Awards in 2015.
There’s no denying the Oscars are a big step up from MTV’s annual awards, so it’s safe to say Hart will have his work cut out for him.
The annual award show ceremony is notorious for running incredibly long, so it’s hard to keep the attention of viewers in house and at home.
Here’s to hoping Kevin Hart has some tricks up his sleeve to keep February’s Oscars interesting!
The 91st Annual Academy Awards are set to air live on Sunday, February 24, 2019 on ABC.