Kevin Hart Confirms He Is Hosting 2019 Oscars

Published on December 5, 2018. Updated May 23, 2019

With the 2019 Academy Awards just over two months away there has been a lot of speculation about who will be the host, and now comedian and actor Kevin Hart has confirmed he has taken on the role!

Hart confirmed the news in an Instagram post featuring the coveted golden statue. “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,” Hart wrote in the caption.

“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,” he continued.

Hart added, “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.”

Hart is following in the footsteps of Jimmy Kimmel, who hosted the awards show for the last two years, as well as Ellen DeGeneres, Neil Patrick Harris, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, Billy Crystal and Jon Stewart to name a few.

The 91st Academy Awards air on Sunday, Feb. 24 on ABC.