Despite the negative reception from the preceding year 's ceremony , the Academy rehired Gilbert Cates to oversee production of the awards gala . However , in an article published in '' The New York Times '' , it was stated that 2005 host Chris Rock would not return to host the show . According to a statement released by his publicist , " He did n't want to do it in perpetuity , He 'd like to do it again down the road . " Furthermore , many media outlets speculated that several AMPAS members felt uncomfortable with Rock 's disparaging comments about Colin Farrell , Jude Law , and Tobey Maguire . Initially , Cates sought actor and veteran Oscar host Billy Crystal to host the ceremony again . However , Crystal declined the offer citing his commitment to his one-man comedy show '' 700 Sundays ''
preceding year 's ceremony
77th Academy Awards
78th Academy Awards