Eddie Murphy to host 84th Academy Awards

Sep 06, 2011 by Ian Evans

Eddie Murphy, pictured here with Tracy Edmonds at the 79th Annual Academy Awards®, has been announced as the host of the 84th edition of Hollywood’s big night. ©2007 Digital Hit Entertainment Photographer:Christine Lambert All rights reserved.

Eddie Murphy, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his supporting role in Dreamgirls back in 2006, has been announced as the host for the 84th Academy Awards. Telecast producers Brett Ratner and Don Mischer made the announcement today.

“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.”

Said 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 Hope and Carson to Crystal, Martin and 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.”

The Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.