EDDIE MURPHY TO HOST THE OSCARS

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed today (Tuesday) that Eddie Murphy has been named to host its 84th annual Oscars ceremony on Feb. 26. Rumors had leaked out over the weekend that Murphy was the choice of co-producer Brett Ratner, whose next film, Tower Heist, stars Murphy. The New York Times commented on its website that the choice of Murphy is risky, given his “remarkably uneven” career of late and the fact that many of the likely top nominees for best picture will be extremely serious. However, the newspaper concluded that the choice of Murphy “should bring a shot at improved ratings.”