Kevin Hart will host this year's 91st Academy Awards

The Hollywood Reporter

Hours after The Hollywood Reporter published an article describing how producers for this year's Oscarcast were struggling to find a host, Hart emerged as a potential pick. Now Hart has confirmed that he'll be hosting the Oscars on Feb. 24. The Hollywood Reporter explained that Hart had to adjust his film schedule to accept the gig. Hart made the announcement in a lengthy Instagram post, which The Academy confirmed in a "Welcome to the family" tweet. "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," he wrote. "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." ALSO: Hart's Oscar-hosting predecessor Jimmy Kimmel tweets: "Congratulations amigo - @TheAcademy made an excellent choice. You are going to kill it."