Comic actor Chris Rock, who hosted the 2005 Oscars, will return to the stage of Hollywood's biggest night to emcee the 88th Academy Awards on Feb. 28, 2016, it was announced Wednesday.

 

“Chris Rock is truly the MVP of the entertainment industry,” said ceremony producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin in a statement. “Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, documentarian – he’s done it all. He’s going to be a phenomenal Oscar host!”

“I'm so glad to be hosting the Oscars,” said Rock. “It's great to be back.”

Word leaked out Tuesday that Rock was in talks for the biggest hosting gig in show business. His 2005 telecast scored the second-most viewers in the past decade, topped only by Ellen DeGeneres two years ago.