REPORT: EDDIE MURPHY TO HOST OSCARS

Eddie Murphy has been selected to host the 84th Annual Academy Awards in February, according to the website HumorMillMag.com, which cited “several inside sources.” The report was picked up by the Los Angeles Times, which said on its website Sunday that “no decision has officially been made” but that sources close to the Oscar show had told it that Murphy “has emerged as the top candidate.” The reports take on particular credence given the fact that the awards telecast is being co-produced by Brett Ratner, who directed Murphy in the upcoming Tower Heist and is due to team up with him again for a fourth Beverly Hills Cop installment. But Ratner may not have the last word. Billy Crystal, who has drawn some of the highest ratings for Oscar telecasts when he hosted the show, has recently made it known that he’s available to do so again. Murphy has never hosted the Oscars.