The comedian is said to be in the final stages of negotiations to host next year’s Academy awards ceremony, 11 years after his first stint

Chris Rock will in all likelihood host the 88th Academy Awards, according to a number of trade sources including Variety and the Hollywood Reporter. An official announcement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is said to be coming shortly.

Should he host next year, it would mark the comedian’s second time hosting Hollywood’s most illustrious awards ceremony – he hosted in 2005. Also working in Rock’s favour: the ceremony’s new co-producer, Reginald Hudlin, directed Rock in the pilot of his series, Everybody Hates Chris.

Source: Press Release