Actor Eddie Murphy to host the 2012 Oscars

2011-09-07 02:23:31 GMT+7 (ICT)

BEVERLY HILLS (BNO NEWS) -- Actor and comedian Eddie Murphy, who is known for his roles in movies such as 'Trading Places', 'Beverly Hills Cop', and 'The Nutty Professor', will host the Academy Awards next year.

Telecast producers Brett Ratner and Don Mischer announced the decision on Tuesday. "Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever," Ratner said. "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."

The 84th Academy Awards, which are best known as The Oscars, are scheduled to be held on February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood. The Oscar presentation is televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

"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," Mischer said.

Responding to the news, Murphy said he is 'enormously honored' to have been chosen to host the event. "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," he said.

Murphy never won an Oscar himself but was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 2007 for his role as James "Thunder" Early in the movie 'Dreamgirls'. He did however win many other awards, including a Golden Globe Award in 2007 for Best Supporting Actor in 'Dreamgirls'.

The 83rd Academy Awards were hosted by James Franco and Anne Hathaway.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-09-07

A surprise pick for sure!