Kevin Hart to Host 2019 Academy Awards

Comedian Kevin Hart has been chosen to host the 2019 Academy Awards, the actor wrote in an Instagram post Tuesday evening.

“For years I have been asked if I would ever [h]ost the Oscars and my answer was always the same,” Hart wrote. “I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime… I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars.”

The feeling was apparently mutual as The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences took to Twitter to respond to Hart and congratulate him.

Welcome to the family, @kevinhart4real! #Oscars https://t.co/vfcxAeJlwQ

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) December 5, 2018

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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 host 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 years Oscars a special one. I appreciate the @TheAcademy for the opportunity ….now it’s time to rise to the occasion #Oscars

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Dec 4, 2018 at 5:01pm PST

Hart follows 2017 and 2018 host Jimmy Kimmel — who was criticized for bringing politics and social issues into the forefront — and encounters ratings that have plummeted in recent years.

Hart represents one of only a handful of black hosts the Academy has selected in its storied history, joining  Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg and Sammy Davis Jr.