Chris lands MC duties

Chris Rock is to host the next Oscars ceremony, it was announced today.

Producers of the 77th Academy Awards said they chose Rock as they wanted to appeal to a younger generation.

The choice of such a provocative comic marks a departure from the more restrained approach of favourite host Billy Crystal, who at 57 in 18 years older than Rock.

Oscar producer Gil Gates said: "I am a huge fan of Chris Rock, He always makes me laugh and he always has something interesting to say.

“Chris represents the best of the new generation of comics."

Other recent Oscar hosts include Steve Martin, who emceed the show in 2003 and 2001, and Whoopi Goldberg in 2002.

The  Academy Awards take place at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on February 27.

Published: 14 Oct 2004