ABC Open to Chris Rock Hosting 2023 Oscars

ABC has said it is open to having Chris Rock host the 95th Annual Academy Awards, which is set to air on Sunday, March 12, 2023, according to Deadline.

Craig Erwich, who is president of Entertainment at ABC, made the remark to the outlet while discussing the Oscars, which he said enjoyed a "really successful year" despite Will Smith's attack on Rock.

"Obviously there was a lot of controversy, which overshadowed a lot of the positive things about the show, but I was really happy with the program," he said. "Even before that very unfortunate moment, the show started off up year over year, and we came back in a big way."

Ratings soared after 2021's hostless Oscars. According to Deadline, the show that was helmed this year by Wanda Sykes, Amy Schumer, and Regina Hall was up nearly 60% in audience and 73% in the key demo — a feat Erwich described as "the biggest bounce back of any award show this season."

"If you look at what they were trying to do, which is really bring entertainment back to the program, they had three amazing hosts, clips, and incredible musical performances. I thought it was a great way for the show to reclaim its place on the mantle." he said. "There’s always things to learn and we’ll endeavor to do even better next year."

Smith stirred controversy when he walked onto the stage and hit Rock in the face at the 94th Academy Awards after he joked about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith's shaved head. Pinkett Smith has been open about the fact that she suffers from alopecia, a chronic condition that can cause hair loss. Rock has insisted he had no prior knowledge of her medical condition when he delivered his quip.

Smith apologized for his actions and resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He was then banned for 10 years from attending the Oscars or any other events hosted by the Academy. Responding to the news, Smith released a statement saying: "I accept and respect the Academy’s decision," according to NBC News.

• Billy Crystal: Will Smith, Chris Rock Incident 'Was an Assault'
• Rock's Brother Addresses Smith's Oscars Attack: 'It Eats at Me'