AceShowbiz - Comedian Kevin Hart will host the Oscars next year (2019).

The "Ride Along" star confirmed the news via social media on Tuesday, December 04, revealing he has been dreaming of the day he would be asked to front the Academy Awards.

"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 (sic)," Kevin writes.

"I am so happy to say that the day has finally come for me to host the Oscars."

View this post on Instagram

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. 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

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Dec 4, 2018 at 5:01pm PST

  Editors' Pick

• Peabo Bryson Dies at 75 After Stroke, Remembered for Iconic Disney Duets
• Tom Holland Says Off-Screen Bond with Zendaya Helped Spider-Man Scene
• The Mandalorian’s Friday Revenue Drops to $6.5M as Backrooms Hits Big Horror Debut
• Robert Pattinson Reveals Intense Training Regimen for The Batman Role
• Waka Flocka Announces First Biological Son Juaquin Jr. on Social Media

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences bosses have also confirmed the news.

View this post on Instagram

Meet our new host. Tune in on February 24.

A post shared by The Academy (@theacademy) on Dec 4, 2018 at 5:18pm PST

Hart will host the prizegiving, which next year will be co-produced by Donna Gigliotti and awards show veteran director Glenn Weiss.

The comic replaces another funnyman, Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted the Oscars for the past two years.

The 2019 Academy Awards will be held on February 24, 2019 and bosses will be hoping Hart can give the show a ratings bump after the 2018 coverage hit a record low in America, with 26.5 million viewers tuning in.

The Academy bosses have also made a major change to next year's telecast in a bid to keep the show under three hours long - six to eight of the categories will be announced to the audience at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood during commercial breaks and edited highlights will air later in the broadcast.