The Oscars are about to get "Rocked."

 

That's because comedian/actor Chris Rock will host the 77th Academy Awards telecast on Feb. 27, said show producer Gil Cates in a statement issued by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Thursday.

 

"I am a huge fan of Chris Rock," said Cates, who was picked to be the show's producer for the 12th time earlier this week. "He always makes me laugh and he always has something interesting to say. Chris represents the best of the new generation of comics. Having him host the Oscars is terrific. I can't wait."

 

This will be Rock's first Oscar hosting gig. Billy Crystal handled the duties last year.

 

Rock's credits include three years on television's "Saturday Night Live" and appearances in such films as "Head of State," "Bad Company," "Nurse Betty" and "Dogma."

 

Rock is currently shooting "The Longest Yard" with Adam Sandler and will be the voice of the zebra in the upcoming animated feature "Madagascar," which are both due in theaters in May 2005.

 

Rock has also done stand-up comedy tours, and recently completed the North American portion of his "Black Ambition Tour."

 

He also hosted the 20th MTV Video Music Awards in 2003.

 

Rock has won three Emmy Awards and two Grammy Awards for his work.

Chris Rock owns.

I wonder how much they're making him tone down his act