Eddie Murphy is in talks to host the 84th Academy Awards in February 2012 according to deadline.com.

The comedian is the first choice for OSCAR producer Brett Ratner who will discuss Murphy as a potential presenter with Academy President TOM SHERAK on Tuesday (06.09.2011). Although the deal is by no means done it is believed that The Nutty Professor star is "showing interest", a source speaking to deadline.com said "Nobody knows movies better or is a bigger cinephile than Eddie. Not Brett. Not even Quentin Tarantino. Eddie can quote scenes from every single movie word for word. "He can bring all that experience to hosting. Plus he has Saturday Night Live experience before a live crowd. And worldwide the biggest crossover comedians are Will Smith and Eddie Murphy." The Doctor Dolittle star was himself nominated for an ACADEMY AWARD for best supporting actor in 2006 for his role in Dreamgirls.

Born in Brooklyn, New York Murphy began his showbiz career as a stand up comic performing alongside the likes of Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg. Through his stand up comedian connections the 50-year-old then became a regular actor on Saturday Night Live gaining nationwide attention. The comic went on to make his silver screen debut appearing alongside Nick Nolte in 48 Hrs. His career went from strength to strength and he achieved further success starring in the Beverley Hills Cop franchise, he has also starred in Shrek and is about to release his new movie Tower Heist a comedy alongside BEN STILLER.