Chris Rock back in host role for the Oscars

Chris Rock is writing a new script for February's Oscars ceremony. Photo / AP

Chris Rock is coming back to host the Oscars for a second time.

The show's producers say the prolific comedian-filmmaker will be at the helm for the 88th Academy Awards on February 28 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin called Rock "the MVP of the entertainment industry".

Look who's back. #Oscars. pic.twitter.com/7TkkrDpSJM

— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) October 21, 2015

The 50-year-old entertainer posted a photo of himself with an Oscar statuette on Twitter yesterday with the caption, "Look who's back."

More than 42 million viewers tuned in when Rock hosted the 77th Academy Awards in 2005, compared to 37 million for this year's show.

Rock is the only non-white Oscar host to helm the show since that appearance 11 years ago.

Rock has won four Emmy Awards for his comedy series and specials. He recently directed the comedy special Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo for HBO. Last year, he wrote, directed and starred in the feature Top Five. He was a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1990 to 1993.