Date: 5th September 2011

Eddie Murphy high on list to host Oscars


Comedian Eddie Murphy is on an Oscar producer's shortlist to host the Academy Awards in February, show business website Deadline reported.

A meeting is scheduled for this coming Tuesday between Oscar producer Brett Ratner and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, at which Ratner will offer president Tom Sherak the idea of having Murphy host the world's top film honors.

Deadline, citing unnamed sources, said in a report on Saturday night that having the "Shrek" movie star host the show was not a done deal, with many more steps to be completed before Murphy is agreed upon.

The 84th Academy Awards' other producer, Don Mischer, has been approached by several other big names who have expressed interest in the hosting duties.

But according to the report Ratner has focussed solely on Murphy, star of such 1980s and 1990s hit comedies as "Beverly Hills Cop," "Trading Places" and "The Nutty Professor."

An Academy spokeswoman was not immediately available to comment on Sunday. The upcoming Oscars will take place on February 26, 2012.

Source: Press Release