Kevin Hart revealed as the host for Oscars 2019

Next year’s Oscars ceremony finally has a host. Yep, the man bringing the funny to the 91st Academy Awards will be actor and comedian Kevin Hart.

Taking over from TV chat-show host Jimmy Kimmel, the Ride Along and Jumanji star will be presenting the awards for the first time – and will no doubt already be formulating some good-natured gags about Hollywood’s A-list attendees.

Hart announced the news via his Instagram account (see below). “I am so happy to say the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars,” he wrote in a clearly heartfelt post. “I am blown away simply because this has been a goal on my list for a long time.”

“I know my mom is smiling from ear to ear right now,” he added. Aw, bless.

After ditching the controversially mooted “best popular film” category, the Academy will be hoping Hart’s mass appeal can nudge the Oscars’ TV ratings back onto an upward trajectory. Viewing figures for last year’s event – which was criticised for “playing it safe” – dropped to an all-time low of 26.5 million.

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

No pressure, then. Luckily, Hart seems up for the challenge. “I will be sure to make this year’s Oscars a special one,” he wrote. “Now it’s time to rise to the occasion.”

We’ll find out what Hart has in store when the event takes place on 24 February 2019. And as for the potential victims that are likely to become the butt of his jokes on the night, the nominations for the awards will be announced on 22 January.