Actor-comedian Kevin Hart recently announced on Instagram that he is set to host the Academy Awards ceremony in 2019.

He took to the social media platform to share: “I am so happy that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars.”

 

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

Jimmy Kimmel, host of the previous two Academy Award ceremonies, offered his support to Hart via Twitter. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also shared their congratulations on the social media platform.

Hart began his career performing (and winning) at comedy clubs; his first professional role was in the TV series Undeclared in 2001. Since then he has gone on to act in films such as Jumanji, Night School, Grudge Match and Central Intelligence. He also released a stand-up album titled I’m a Grown Little Man in 2008.

Time magazine rated Hart as one of the top 100 most influential people in the world in 2015.

As an African-American, Hart is one of the few black hosts the Oscars have had in 90 years. His selection arrived at a time when the Academy has faced pressure to diversify its membership, films and performers nominated for the awards.

Hart has formerly hosted award ceremonies including the MTV Music Awards in 2012 and the BET Awards in 2011.

The 2017 Oscars received the lowest ratings of all time, with the film academy set to introduce new changes in the upcoming ceremony. These include limiting the screening to 3 hours and showing some categories through commercial breaks, with excerpts of winner’s speeches being shared later in the program.

To receive an Academy Award is the highest honour one can receive in the film industry.

The role of hosting the ceremony is highly prestigious but also notoriously challenging as hosts are required to please both the A-listers and the television viewers using both topical and insider jokes.

The 2019 Academy Award ceremony is set to occur on February 24 with nominations due for announcement on January 22.