Reports are floating around the Eddie Murphy’s name is on the shortlist of people being considered to host the Oscars in 2012. The wildly popular 80’s comedian is at the very top of that list it seems out of nowhere, as his name has never been floated around before.
So why is Murphy on the top of the list this year? This year’s Oscars are being produced by Rush Hour 3 director Brett Ratner, who also directed Murphy in the upcoming action comedy Tower Heist. Ratner was reportedly so impressed with Murphy’s performance in the film, as well as his extensive knowledge of cinema, that he immediately put his name at the top of his possible Oscar host list when he secured the producing gig for the 2012 show.
Other producers feel that Murphy’s live comedy experience would give him an edge. He also has two films coming out in the next six months – Tower Heist and the drama A Thousand Words, which could turn a comeback for the actor. The Oscars have been striving for more diversity lately. This would help explain the reason could be behind this year’s puzzling decision to honor Oprah Winfrey.
A decision on Murphy could be made by the end of this week. There is however one other name on the shortlist, and that would be old reliable Billy Crystal, whom is an Oscar hosting vet and always does well.
After the debacle of Anne Hathaway and James Franco at last year’s Oscars, I personally think a donkey would do a better job, so Murphy seems like a good fit.