Several sources have reported comedian Eddie Murphy is the top choice to host the 84th Annual Academy Awards ceremony in February.
According to the LA Times, Oscar producers Brett Ratner and Don Mischer are due to meet with Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Tom Sherak today, with a confirmed choice due to be announced later this week.
A source also told Deadline, “Nobody knows movies better or is a bigger cinephile than Eddie. Not Bret. Not even Quentin Tarantino. Eddie can quote scenes from every single movie word for word. He can bring that experience to hosting. Plus he has Saturday Night Live experience before a live crowd.”
The comedian, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in 2006’s ‘Dreamgirls’, is said to be interested. However despite his past experience, Murphy hasn’t preformed on stage for over twenty years.
Murphy is currently staring in Brett Ratner’s comedy drama ‘Tower Heist’, which could explain Ratner’s interest in the actor.
Other names have also been put forward including, actor/comedian Billy Crystal and Jerry Seinfeld.
The awards ceremony is due to take place February 26, 2010.
Update: Eddie Murphy has formally accepted an offer to host the Oscars.
Watch the ‘Tower Heist’ movie trailer below:
