Eddie Murphy Backs Out as Oscar Host
Posted 11.09.11 by Mandy
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that actor Eddie Murphy has "withdrawn" as host of the 84th Academy Awards. This announcement came right on the heels of producer Brett Ratner's decision to walk away from producing next year's Oscar telecast.
Murphy released a statement with his resignation, though he did not comment specifically on why he chose to leave, other than it was connected to Ratner's departure.
First and foremost I want to say that I completely understand and support each party's decision with regard to a change of producers for this year's Academy Awards ceremony. I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I'm sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job.
We're guessing that without Ratner producing, he was afraid of looking as silly as James Franco did at this year's Oscars. This news comes as a disappointment for those hoping for a funny Academy Awards show, so hopefully the Academy will ultimately choose another talented comedic actor to host the show — may we suggest NPH?