NEWSEddie Murphy Lands Oscars Hosting Gig: "I Am Enormously Honored"
Sep. 6 2011, Published 11:00 a.m. ET
It's confirmed! Actor Eddie Murphy has landed the hosting gig at the 84th Annual Academy Awards.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed in a statement Tuesday that the 50-year-old comedian landed the coveted hosting spot.
"Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever," Oscar producer Brett Ratner said in a statement Tuesday. "With his love of movies, history of crafting unforgettable characters and his iconic performances — especially onstage — I know he will bring an excitement, spontaneity and tremendous heart to the show Don and I want to produce in February."
Eddie follows last years emcees James Franco and Anne Hathaway who were harshly critiqued for their hosting performance.
"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," Eddie said in the statement. "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."
Eddie is starting in the upcoming Ratner-directed film Tower Heist, slated for release in November.
The 84th Annual Academy Awards airs Feb. 26, 2012.
Are you happy with Eddie hosting? Sound off in the comments.
