Rock will follow in the footsteps of Billy Crystal, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg who have served as hosts for the telecast in recent years. 

"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." 

Rock is currently shooting the film "The Longest Yard" with Adam Sandler.
 
 

.