The Academy Awards that is!! The funny man has just accepted an offer to host the 84th annual Academy Awards, set to air on Sunday, February 26, 2012.
According to Deadline.com, Eddie and Brett Ratner – the director of Eddie’s upcoming action film, Tower Heist – got along so well on set that Eddie was the only name on Brett’s list of candidates to host this year’s show!
Earlier this summer, Billy Crystal was rumored to be a candidate to host the show for what would have been his ninth time. But after meeting with AMPAS President, Tom Sherak, Eddie sealed the deal. Brett Ratner and Don Mischer, producers of the Oscars, confirmed the news on Tuesday.
Brett says, “Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever. I know he will bring excitement, spontaneity and tremendous heart to the show.”
Eddie expressed his excitement in a statement, saying, “I am enormously honored to join the great list of past Academy Award hosts from Hope and Carson to Crystal, Martin and Goldberg, among others.” I’m looking forward to working with Brett and Don on creating a show that is enjoyable for both the fans at home and for the audience at the Kodak Theatre as we all come together to celebrate and recognize the great film contributions and collaborations from the past year.”
Although Oscar hosts aren’t typically announced so early before the telecast, this is such a huge deal for Eddie’s career that his posse just couldn’t wait to get the word out, and get everyone buzzing.
Not to mention, have we forgotten about Eddie’s pre-Dr. Doolittle days? Saturday Night Live, Beverly Hills Cop…I mean c’mon, the guy is absolutely HILARIOUS, and with a gig like SNL on his resume, he clearly knows how to entertain a live crowd.
What do you think? Will Eddie Murphy steal the show at this year’s Academy Awards?
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