Eddie Murphy in talks to host the Academy Awards

Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy in talks to host the Academy Awards
Dreamgirls star Eddie Murphy is reported to be close to clinching a deal to host the 84th Academy Awards.
The funny man who's headlined such comedies as Beverly Hills Cop, Daddy Day Care and the Shrek franchise is said to be the top choice for Oscar co-producer Brett Ratner.
Murphy shot to super stardom in the 1980's with his raunchy stand up routines and on Saturday Night Live.
In 2007 he was nominated for his first Academy Award after turning in a scene stealing performance in Dreamgirls.
While he didn't win the Oscar, he did take home Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards for the role.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Ratner will submit Murphy's name as his only choice to host the show at a meeting with Academy members this week.
The producer-director has reportedly had the actor in mind for some time after directing him in the upcoming action flick Tower Heist,  which hits theatres this November.
While Murphy has reportedly shown interest in the gig, he's not the only comic actor in the running.
Billy Crystal, who has hosted several times in the past, is said to be interested in returning.
Entertainment website Deadline.com reports other big stars have also approached Oscar co-producer Don Mischer about hosting, but Ratner only has his eyes on Murphy.
Earlier this year Anne Hathaway and James Franco hosted the show. While they are both respected actors, their performances as hosts were panned by many critics and fans.
As for Murphy, the Academy could make a decision as early as Tuesday.
But the question remains, will some of Murphy's multiple Razzie Award-winning roles in such critically panned movies as Norbit, Meet Dave and The Adventures of Pluto Nash come into play.