Steve Martin Gives Eddie Murphy Oscar Hosting Advice: No Co-Host, Diet Now, and Keep Neil Patrick Harris Handy

With the Emmy Awards safely behind host Jane Lynch (consensus: she did well, right?), it's time to look ahead to the upcoming awards shows. One show in particular got a big jump on the hosting duties news, when it was confirmed recently that actor Eddie Murphy would be the man of the hour three+ hours for the 2012 event. Now actor Steve Martin, a former Oscars host himself, has offered up some unsolicited advice to Murphy on his blog.

First and foremost, cautions Martin, don't have a co-host. (Last year's co-hosting debacle was not mentioned, but it's a sting we aren't soon likely to forget.) Then it's time to consider physique: "Start slimming down now. You looked kinda paunchy in NORBIT," ribs the comedian.

Oh, and hey--no pressure: "Remember to relax and have a good time while 12,000 livebloggers rip you to shreds." (Yeah, that happens.)

But the best piece of advice is to keep an eye on what could prove to be a handy secret weapon: Neil Patrick Harris. The "How I Met Your Mother" star has shone in hosting duties for other awards ceremonies. In a pinch, advises Martin, Murphy should give him "a Red Bull and throw some sheet music at him."

There's a long time between now and February 26th, which gives Murphy plenty of time to get advice from plenty of people, and figure out how to keep his Oscar audience entertained.