Eddie Murphy May Host The Oscars!
Sept. 4 2011, Published 4:30 a.m. ET
Eddie Murphy is the top contender to host the 2012 Academy Awards, RadarOnline.com has learned.
The surprise, out-of-the box idea comes from Brett Ratner who was brought in to co-produce the 2012 ceremony after the disastrous 2011 show hosted by James Franco and Anne Hathaway.
Murphy, a previous Oscar nominee for Dreamgirls, was once the sharpest stand-up comic in the country. It's those skills that might make him the perfect choice, Ratner believes.
The Beverly Hills Cop star, 50, has a close relationship with Ratner. Murphy and Ben Stiller star in the Ratner-directed Tower Heist, opening in November.
Although it is not a done deal, Murphy, a known lover of the Oscars and all other things movie related, is said to be extremely interested and is considering the opportunity.
"He has Saturday Night Live experience in front of a live crowd. And worldwide, the biggest crossover comedians are Will Smith and Eddie Murphy," an insider told Deadline.com.
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Billy Crystal has also expressed an interest in hosting the show again and he will reportedly be included in the show in some capacity.
A decision on Murphy is expected before the end of the month.
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