Eddie Murphy confirmed to host the 84th Academy Awards
"Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever," said Ratner. "With his love of movies, history of crafting unforgettable characters and his iconic performances - especially on stage - I know he will bring excitement, spontaneity and tremendous heart to the show Don and I want to produce in February."
Commented Mischer, "Eddie is a truly ground-breaking performer, whose amazingly diverse array of roles has won him a devoted audience of all ages. His quick wit and charisma will serve him very well as Oscar host."
"I am enormously honored to join the great list of past Academy Award hosts from (Bob) Hope and (Johnny) Carson to (Billy) Crystal, (Steve) Martin and (Whoopi) Goldberg, among others," said Murphy. "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."
Murphy began his career at the age of 15 as a stand-up comedian. In 1980, at the age of 19, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, becoming the show's youngest cast member to that point, and bringing to life many of the show's most memorable characters. His 1983 album "Eddie Murphy: Comedian" won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording. It included portions of his groundbreaking HBO special Eddie Murphy: Delirious. In 1987, Eddie Murphy Raw was theatrically released and went on to gross over $50 million. Murphy made his feature film debut in 1982 with the classic 48 Hours and would go on to star in such box-office hits as Beverly Hills Cop and the The Nutty Professor and Shrek franchises. All told, movies in which he has performed have earned in excess of $7 billion worldwide during their theatrical releases.
Murphy earned an Oscar nomination in 2006 for his supporting role in Dreamgirls.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.
The Academy Awards episode 84.1, "84th Annual Academy Awards" stars Angelina Jolie, Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Bradley Cooper, Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Zach Galifianakis.
Comments (24)
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incmob
it will be interesting to say the least. murphy's stand up was incredible although you can thank richard pryor for opening the door. I think we can all agree that murphy's movies have staggered, and deflated, and his career has really stalled... thank shrek for keeping him on the map. I just hope he comes walking out in his leather outfit from delirious... that would be classic!
2 years agoby @incmobFlag
fanboy
Not sure about this, but I'll just have to wait and see
2 years agoby @fanboyFlag
ejk1
Not really feeling this, considering that Murphy hasn't done a film over the last, well, fifteen years, that makes him worthy of this gig. His Shrek voice-overs and Dreamgirls aside, Murph has done more harm to his career than not since The Nutty Professor. Not many actors have two films that could contend for the worst film of all-time, yet Murphy has at least two (Pluto Nash and Norbit) and depending on how one feels about Holy Man, a third. I like Murphy, but his recent track record may not merit this gig.
2 years agoby @ejk1Flag
moviegeek
Excellent!! I don't find Murphy all that funny, but I'm glad they've got a comedian doing the show :D (No deer-in-headlights-Franco)
2 years agoby @moviegeekFlag
slysnide
@rufio: I know, I meant that it's odd that Brett Ratner of all people would be directing it considering his track record in Hollywood.
2 years agoby @slysnideFlag
Rufio
@SherlockHolmes2009 agreed.
@slysnide b/c he is directing the show
2 years agoby @rufioFlag
m2
YES!!
2 years agoby @m2Flag
SherlockHolmes2009
Hey good choice for hosting
2 years agoby @SherlockHolmes2009Flag
SpaceCowboy
YES! Oh there will be some Tower Heist jokes.
2 years agoby @SpaceCowboyFlag
Ghostman
This is the beginning of Eddie Murhpy's comeback by hosting the Oscars and starring in Tower Heist :)
2 years agoby @ghostmanFlag
ChiRep_1
That's pretty cool I guess.
2 years agoby @ChiRep-1Flag
Nicholaus XX
I'm the only one who isn't liking the whole concept of this? Incredible!
2 years agoby @XxNickTheFilmCriticXxFlag
MovieManiac
HELL YEAH!! Perfect choice.
2 years agoby @moviemaniac66Flag
Brizzy
oh f*ck yeah.
2 years agoby @BrizzyFlag
The Knight Has Risen
I was kind of hoping that they would bring back Billy Crystal, but we'll see how well Eddie Murphy will do as host.
2 years agoby @thehost91Flag
slysnide
How did Brett Rattner become a show runner for the Oscars? lolz
2 years agoby @slysnideFlag
MadJohnsonProductions
This is going to be Good.
2 years agoby @MadJohnsonProductionsFlag
ChristinaM15
I'm very excited for this.
2 years agoby @christina-montanaFlag
Jimthar
very cool. i'm digging on this.
2 years agoby @jimtharFlag
CUPID
This is some good news.
2 years agoby @cupidFlag
skywise
This should be pretty good
2 years agoby @skywiseFlag
Corey W.
Awesome. I can't wait to see Eddie on the stage again. The Oscars obviously isn't stand-up, but hey, we'll get to see him crack a few good jokes in there.
2 years agoby @coreyFlag
Cyn
YES - don't hold back, Eddie! Be Eddie!
2 years agoby @cyn-de-harvenFlag
Bawnian©-Dexeus
Fantastic
2 years agoby @bawnian-dexeusFlag