This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
It's a coveted gig, and not every actor or funnyperson in Hollywood is suited for the job (Anne Hathaway and James Franco we are talking about you), and now the Academy Awards have a new host for 2012: Eddie Murphy.
"Today, Oscar producer Brett Ratner is formally telling the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences that he’s chosen Murphy to emcee the Oscars and an announcement will be made," says Deadline, adding that the news is coming months ahead of the usual January host announcement, but that Ratner directed Murphy in an upcoming November release, and Murphy's reps are eager to do all they can to deliver a kick in the right direction to the comedian's career.
Murphy, who rose to fame on live television on Saturday Night Live in the early 1980s, could make for an interesting and entertaining host, particularly because of his unpredictability and his ability to play a variety of characters.
This is Ratner's first time producing the show, and Murphy was his first choice for host, says Variety.
Said Murphy via a released statement:
"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."
Already people are buzzing online about Murphy's potential to tank. He has until February 26th to brush up his act, which is when the star-studded Hollywood circle jerk industry awards spectacular airs live from the Kodak Theatre.
