Eddie Murphy to Host the Oscars?

How does Eddie Murphy, Oscar host sound?

According to Deadline, Oscar producer Brett Ratner wants the comedian, who co-stars in his upcoming fim ‘Tower Heist,’ to host the 84th Academy Awards. Ratner must get the okay of the Academy first, but Eddie is reportedly “showing interest” in the gig.

Murphy was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 2006’s ‘Dreamgirls.’ As we remember it, he wasn’t the greatest sport about losing to Alan Arkin for ‘Little Miss Sunshine,’ but we’re guessing he’d make a much more enthusiastic host.

“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,” Deadline quotes an insider. “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.”

What about Billy Crystal, who’s announced he’d love to host again? He’d supposedly be included in the show, just not as the host. Oprah Winfrey, who was previously rumored to host, will be there, but as the recipient of an honorary Oscar, as will James Earl Jones.

What do you think? Would Eddie make a great Oscar host?

[via Deadline]