The Academy of Motion Pictures and ABC haven’t confirmed it, but Kevin Hart has announced he’ll be hosting the 91st Academy Awards. Hart becomes the third African-American to host the show solo after Whoopi Goldberg and Chris Rock. Diana Ross, Richard Pryor and Sammy Davis, Jr. were part of multi-host telecasts in the 1970s.
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In an Instagram post, Hart said, “that this would be an opportunity of a lifetime and that it will happen when it’s supposed to.” He added, “I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time” and “my mom is smiling ear to ear now.”
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The Academy has not commented officially on the announcement but did re-tweet Hart’s own tweet.
Hart follows two successive ceremonies hosted by ABC talent Jimmy Kimmel. Last year’s ceremony saw the telecast drop to its lowest ratings since 2007. Hart’s star power and fresh face may draw new viewers to the ceremony that may have box office hits such as “Black Panther” and “A Star is Born” in the running for Best Picture.
The 39-year-old actor and stand-up comedian recently starred opposite Tiffany Haddish in “Night School” and last year’s blockbuster “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.” Hart will next be seen in “The Upside,” a 2017 film that was delayed due to the sale of The Weinstein Company earlier this year.
The 91st Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, Feb. 24 and will be broadcast live on ABC at 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET.