Inclusion, i.e., diversity, or the lack of it, is a conversation that Hollywood is still having. Forget the bottom line that inclusion is solid business, some industry suits still don’t understand that bigotry is ugly and not profitable.
Handpicking the best-of-the-best, regardless of their ethnic mix, has always been something that Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs—now entering her third term—has upheld.
It’s a fact that Isaacs has always had her well-manicured finger on the pulse of the global zeitgeist, so it was a welcome and very pleasant surprise when it was announced that multi-hyphenate artist and filmmaker Chris Rock would be returning to host the Oscars. Rock previously hosted the 77th Oscars, telecast in 2005. It’s equally thrilling to announce that one of New York’s own, Reginald Hudlin, will be producing.
“We share David and Reggie’s excitement in welcoming Chris, whose comedic voice has really defined a generation,” said Isaacs. “He is certain to bring his amazing array of talents to this year’s show.”
“Chris may be best known as a stand-up comic, but we think of him as a creative innovator in many other ways. He is unafraid in his artistry,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to the Oscars.”
“Chris Rock is a comedic powerhouse who will bring tremendous energy to the event, and we’re honored to have him,” added Paul Lee, president of ABC Entertainment Group.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Rock most recently directed the comedy special “Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo,” which premiered this month on HBO. In 2014, he wrote, directed and starred in the critically acclaimed feature “Top Five,” and in 2009 he ventured into the documentary world as a writer, producer and star of “Good Hair.”
Rock has enjoyed ongoing success in both film and television as a comedian, actor, writer, producer and director. His feature acting credits include “I Think I Love My Wife,” which he also wrote and directed, “Head of State” (writer, producer and director), “Death at a Funeral” (also producer) and the first three films in the blockbuster “Madagascar” series as the voice of Marty. His other acting credits include “The Longest Yard,” “Nurse Betty,” “2 Days in New York” and “Lethal Weapon 4.” In 2011, Rock made his Broadway debut starring in “The Motherfker With the Hat,” which was nominated for six Tony Awards®, including Best Play. In television, Rock created, executive produced and narrated the series “Everybody Hates Chris,” which ran from 2005 to 2009 and was inspired by Rock’s childhood. He was also a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” from 1990 to 1993.
Known internationally for his groundbreaking stand-up comedy, Rock has won four Emmy Awards for his comedy series and specials, including “Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger,” “The Chris Rock Show” and “Chris Rock: Bring the Pain,” and has achieved record audience numbers around the world. He also has earned three Grammy Awards for his comedy albums “Never Scared, “Bigger and Blacker” and “Roll With the New.”
On a personal note, I’ve worked with both Rock and Isaacs, and both trailblazers gave me such heartfelt and sincere advice that I often share their words of wisdom to neophytes who question whether if “they could make a difference.” The answer that I was given by both is a resounding yes. The details on how, I will share later.
The 88th Oscars will be held Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.