The funnyman emerged as a front-runner for the gig on Tuesday (20Oct15), and revealed he'd signed up to return 11 years after he last hosted the big night.

In a statement released on Wednesday (21Oct15), he wrote, "I'm so glad to be hosting the Oscars. It's great to be back."

New Academy Awards producers Reginald Hudlin and David Hill add, "Chris Rock is truly the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the entertainment industry. Comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, documentarian, he's done it all. He's going to be a phenomenal Oscar host!"

Actor Neil Patrick Harris, who fronted the 2015 show, has since offered up his thoughts on Rock's appointment, taking to Twitter to write, "Chris Rock is hosting the #Oscars. Brilliant choice. He'll be awesome."

The 2016 Oscars will take place on 28 February (16).