Eddie Murphy to Host 84th Academy Awards

Entertainment September 6, 2011 AT 3:29PM By Zach Johnson

Credit: Soul Brother/FilmMagic

Eddie Murphy has 172 days to work on some new material.

The 50-year-old actor and comedian has been hired to host the 84th Annual Academy Awards, airing live on ABC February 26, 2012.

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"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," Murphy tells Us Weekly in a statement.

"I'm looking forward to working with Brett [Ratner] and Don [Mischer] 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."

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Murphy, who earned an Oscar nomination in 2006 for his supporting role in Dreamgirls, has never hosted the Academy Awards before.

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"Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever," Ratner says. "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."

Tell Us: Is Eddie Murphy a good choice to host the Academy Awards?

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September 08, 2011 - 4:17am Vicki Brand
After rumors started to circulate last week that Eddie Murphy was in talks to host next year’s Oscars telecast, he will officially be taking Academy Awards hosting duties for the first time. http://bit.ly/njMHCK
September 06, 2011 - 7:11pm Ana Pereira
OMG!Where is Steve Martin or Billy Crystal? Do they want Eddy Murphy to do the same c r a p Anne Hathaway and James Franco did last year? I'd like the host to be that British guy who speaks his mind. Sorry I forgot his name.
September 06, 2011 - 7:07pm Williams Janie
I'M Glad Eddie Murphy was asked to host the 84th Annual Academy Awards;2012 He a great guy as well as a great actor.
September 06, 2011 - 6:59pm Shaylynn Larke
I hope he keeps it clean..he really can get raunchy.
September 06, 2011 - 6:54pm Paris Shelton
I think he'll be great
September 06, 2011 - 5:40pm Kelly Dawn
I hope he keeps it funny and clean. He can be great when he wants to be.
September 06, 2011 - 3:54pm Inger Lappe Ã?iehaug Kaastad
Can't wait, he's hilarious.
September 06, 2011 - 3:48pm Stephanie Lee Bean
Congrats Eddie! I think he will do an awesome job!