By Pascal Oparada
Comedian-Actor, Kevin Hart, announced on his Instagram page Tuesday that he has been chosen to host this year’s Academy Awards, a role the actor said is a fulfillment of a longtime dream.
His announcement was followed with a tweet by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, organisers of the Award.
“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 this stage is unbelievable,” Hart wrote. “I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now.
“I will be sure to make sure this year’s Oscars are a special one,” Hart wrote.
He takes over hosting duties from Jimmy Kimmel, who presided over the last two ceremonies, including 2016′s flub that resulted in the wrong best picture winner being announced. Last year’s ceremony was an all-time ratings low, and the film academy has announced a series of changes to the upcoming show.
The 39-year-old has become famous with films such as “Ride Along,” Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “Night School.”
Celebrities including Martin Lawrence and Chris Rock, who hosted the ceremony in 2005 and 2016, posted congratulatory messages about Hart’s selection Tuesday night.