Chris Rock to host 2005 Oscars

Published: 8:04AM Friday October 15, 2004 Source: Reuters

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Sharp-tongued comedian Chris Rock has been chosen to host the 77th annual Academy Awards, the film industry's highest honours, next February, the producer of the show said as he reached out to a younger generation of comedians.
   
It will be the first time that Rock, a former Saturday Night Live cast member who made his film debut in Beverly Hills Cop II, will host the show watched by millions around the world. He will succeed veteran Oscar emcee Billy Crystal, who hosted the awards show earlier this year.
   
"I am a huge fan of Chris Rock," Oscar producer Gil Gates said in a statement. "He always makes me laugh and he always has something interesting to say. Chris represents the best of the new generation of comics."
   
The choice of Rock, 39, known for his often-provocative brand of humour, marks a sharp departure from the lower-key style of Crystal, 57, a favourite of Oscar audiences for his deadpan delivery, smooth ad-libs and Hollywood send-ups.
   
Other recent Oscar hosts include Steve Martin, who emceed the show in 2003 and 2001, and Whoopi Goldberg in 2002.
   
Rock, a three-time Emmy winner for his comedy work on HBO, including the special Bring the Pain, is currently shooting the feature film The Longest Yard with fellow SNL alumnus Adam Sandler. Other film credits include Head of State, Bad Company and Nurse Betty.
   
He recently completed the North American leg of his Black Ambition Tour and hosted the MTV Video Music Awards last year. The 77th Academy Awards show will be broadcast live on February 27 on ABC from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.    

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