by Abidemi Dairo

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, organizers of the annual Oscar Awards, have announced that the 2011 installment of the awards will be hosted by veteran Hollywood comedian, Eddie Murphy. A press release issued on Tuesday September 6, 2011, by the telecast producers, Brett Ratner and Don Mischer, reveals that the 84th awards ceremony which is scheduled for Sunday, February 26, 2012 will have the 2001 Oscar Award winning actor, for his role in ‘Shrek’, at the helm of proceedings.

“Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever. With his love of movies, history of crafting unforgettable characters and his iconic performances – especially on stage – I know he will bring excitement, spontaneity and tremendous heart to the show Don and I want to produce in February,” the release quotes Ratner.

The apparently delighted ‘Naughty Professor’ actor also shares his excitement through the same official statement which appears on the Academy’s official website.

“I am enormously honored to join the great list of past Academy Award hosts from Hope and Carson to Crystal, Martin and Goldberg, among others. I’m looking forward to working with Brett and Don on creating a show that is enjoyable for both the fans at home and for the audience at the Kodak Theatre as we all come together to celebrate and recognize the great film contributions and collaborations from the past year,” Murphy said.

Murphy, who would be aged 51 in 2012, started out acting at age 15 as a standup comedian and have received credits for over 36 movies. He is also well known as the actor who takes up multiple characters in one movie.

Oluwapelumi