Jumanji star Kevin Hart to host Oscars 2019

The Ride Along star Kevin Hart is all set to host the 91^st Academy Awards ceremony to be held in Los Angeles, California.  The comedian-actor took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce that he has been selected to host the Oscars next year. This will be Hart’s first attempt at emceeing the annual awards night.

“For years I have been asked if I would ever host the Oscars and my answer was always the same... I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s suppose to.          

“I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. 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 hosts that have graced that stage is unbelievable,” Hart wrote alongside a picture of a golden Oscar statuette. I will be sure to make this Oscars a special one’’.

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The Academy confirmed the news on Twitter: “Welcome to the family, @kevinhart4real.” The 39-year old actor thanked the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) for the opportunity.

The popular show presenter Jimmy Kimmel, hosted the last two Academy Awards Kimmel also gave a shout-out to the comedian and tweeted, “Congratulations amigo - @TheAcademy made an excellent choice. You are going to kill it’’.

Hart has previously hosted several award ceremonies including the BET Awards in 2011 and the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards. The Oscar 2019 ceremony is scheduled to be held on February 24.

(With inputs from PTI) 

View this post on Instagram

For years I have been asked if I would ever Host the Oscars and my answer was always the same...I said that it would be the opportunity of a lifetime for me as a comedian and that it will happen when it’s suppose to. I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars. 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 that stage is unbelievable. I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now. I want to thank my family/friends/fans for supporting me & riding with me all this time....I will be sure to make this years Oscars a special one. I appreciate the @TheAcademy for the opportunity ....now it’s time to rise to the occasion #Oscars

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Dec 4, 2018 at 5:01pm PST