Chris Rock Returning to Host Oscars

Chris Rock will host this year's Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday. It's actually a return gig for the 50-year-old comedian and actor, who hosted 11 years ago. The Los Angeles Times recounts that he received "wildly divisive reviews" on that first go-round. One of the more memorable moments came after Rock made jokes about Jude Law's ubiquitous Hollywood presence, prompting Sean Penn to say on stage: "Forgive my lack of humor. Jude Law is one of our most talented actors." This year's show is Feb. 28, and producers hope Rock can reverse the 15% drop in ratings that took place this year with Neil Patrick Harris as host. (More Chris Rock stories.)