CHRIS ROCK TO PRESENT AT 84TH ACADEMY AWARDS(R) OSCAR(R) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 ON ABC

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - Former Oscar host and Grammy-winning comedian Chris Rock will present at the 84th Academy Awards ceremony, telecast producers Brian Grazer and Don Mischer announced today.

In 2005 Rock served as host of the 77th Academy Awards. He will be seen next in "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and "2 Days in New York." Rock recently starred in the Tony-nominated play "Mother F**ker with the Hat," and he lent his voice to the upcoming "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted." His other film credits include "Grown Ups," "Death at a Funeral," "Good Hair," "Bee Movie" and the first two "Madagascar" animated films.

Rock joins a stellar list of previously announced Oscar presenters, including Halle Berry, Rose Byrne, Bradley Cooper, Tom Cruise, Penélope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Tom Hanks, Angelina Jolie, Milla Jovovich, Ellie Kemper, Jennifer Lopez, Melissa McCarthy, Wendy McLendon-Covey, Maya Rudolph, Emma Stone and Kristen Wiig.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center(R), and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.

ABOUT THE ACADEMY

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world's preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards - in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners - the Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.

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SHERRI SHEPHERD, CAMERON MATHISON, SHIRA LAZAR AND JAKE WHETTER TO HOST BACKSTAGE PASS EXPERIENCE ON OSCAR.COM AND THE OFFICIAL OSCARS APP

Sherri Shepherd, Cameron Mathison, Shira Lazar and Jake Whetter are confirmed to host The Oscars Backstage Pass on Oscar.com and the official Oscars app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch during the 84th Academy Awards, February 26.

Developed by the Academy and Disney/ABC Television Group's Digital Media team, the Oscars Backstage Pass is designed to be the ultimate complement to the live telecast. With more than 20 live cameras strategically placed on the Red Carpet, throughout the Kodak Theatre, backstage during the telecast and even inside the Governor's Ball -- which is the official Oscar party of the night -- fans will have insider views into the most memorable moments of the night. Hosts will man positions on the Red Carpet, Backstage and the Governor's Ball, ensuring the fun starts early and goes well beyond the show.

"The Backstage Pass is an extension of the things we all love about watching the Oscars - seeing our favorites on the Red Carpet, following them backstage, and then on to the after party," said Karin Gilford, senior vice president of Digital Media, ABC Television Network. "It's our way of inviting fans into the celebration, and the hosts are their eyes and ears. This is an extremely talented group, all with unique points of view and an abundance of charm and wit. I think they'll make the Backstage Pass a must for the night."

Shepherd is an actress, comedienne and co-host of ABC's hugely popular daytime talk show "The View." Whether on stage or screen, this Daytime Emmy(R) Award winner's magnetic personality and hilarious sense of humor never fails to delight audiences. She has appeared in such popular television shows as "30 Rock," "Less than Perfect" and "Everybody Loves Raymond," and in films including "Precious," "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" and "One for the Money," which is in theaters now. She is the author of a humorous autobiography Permission Slips: Every Woman's Guide to Giving Yourself a Break (Grand Central Publishing).

Shepherd is reunited in her host duties with Mathison, with whom she co-hosted the 35th annual Daytime Emmy Awards. First noticed for his Emmy-nominated role as Ryan Lavery on ABC's "All My Children," Mathison splits his time between acting and hosting jobs. His television credits include "Dancing with the Stars," "Desperate Housewives," "Castle," "The Drew Carey Show," "Hope & Faith," "CSI," "JAG," "What I Like About You," "F/X: The Series," the television movie "Any Mother's Son" and the upcoming independent film, "The Wife He Met Online." Mathison hosted ABC's live world premiere of Walt Disney's animated feature, "Tarzan," SOAPnet's 2001 Daytime Emmy(R) red carpet special and various E! "Wild On!" specials. He currently serves as a correspondent for "Good Morning America" on ABC.

The host and executive producer of the weekly live interactive show and 24/7 news hub, "What's Trending," Lazar regularly interviews leading digital trendsetters and provides commentary on a wide range of social media topics. This year marks her second time hosting Oscar.com's Backstage Pass. She also produces and hosts and Internet talk show for the site called "Oscar Dailies."

Also back for a second time is Jake Whetter, a Radio Disney on-air personality who hosts the daily entertainment report "Celebrity Take" with Jake, as well as the "Top 30 Countdown" and the popular musical talent showcase "N.B.T." ("Next BIG Thing"). Whetter has also hosted multiple programs on broadcast and online platforms including ABC.com's "Live from the Red Carpet" at the 44th Annual Country Music Association Awards, "Destination ABC" and "ABC Cast Commentary."

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center(R), and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries worldwide.