Eddie Murphy Reportedly a Frontrunner for Academy Awards Hosting Job

Though we’re still many months removed from its air date, chatter about who will be following Anne Hathaway and James Franco as host(s) of this year’s Oscars has become a hot topic as of late.

Insiders tell that the frontrunner to take command of the Kodak Theatre stage is Eddie Murphy – with the actor/comedian getting a boost in the race due to his ties with director Brett Ratner, who happens to be producing the ceremony this time around.

According to the showbiz news site Deadline, a meeting is scheduled for this coming Tuesday between Ratner and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, at which time the director will offer president Tom Sherak the idea of having Murphy host the world’s top film honors.

Citing unnamed sources, Deadline reminded that Murphy’s hosting of the Oscars was not a done deal, as many more steps need to be completed before anything is agreed upon. However the source does confirm that the “Boomerang” actor is interested in the gig.

With an official announcement of the final selection to be made later this month, other potential candidates include Billy Crystal, who last hosted the show in 2004.

According to omg!, Don Mischer, co-producer of the 84th annual Academy Awards, has been approached by several other big names with regard to the hosting duties. His partner on the other hand is said to be focused solely on Eddie Murphy.

Interestingly enough, the veteran comedian is currently starring in the Brett Ratner-directed action comedy flick “Tower Heist” alongside Ben Stiller. The Imagine/Universal-produced project opens on November 4th.

As for the ceremony, the 84th annual Academy Awards will be airing live from Los Angeles on February 26, 2012.

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