Chris Rock to host the Oscars

Acclaimed comedian Chris Rock is gearing up for his most high-profile stand-up date of his career - as host of the Academy Awards.

Rock, 39, star of stand-up comedy specials Bigger & Blacker and Never Scared, showed no mercy on many of his fellow celebrities when he hosted last year's MTV Video Music Awards, mocking the likes of Jermaine Dupri and 50 Cent.