At about 3 PM this afternoon, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences formally announced Eddie Murphy will be hosting the Oscars telecast on February 26. This is fantastic news.
As you know, I love this idea. The Oscar nominee for Dreamgirls brings it all to the table. He is funny. He can think on his feet and react to any situation. He is a true Hollywood star, and he brings a level of excitement to the proceedings that might even keep James Franco awake for the whole show.
Additionally, Murphy will understand what a massive opportunity this is, who the audience is, and how to make us all glad he took the job. The man is a veteran who can live up to the moment, and he will have almost every comedy writer in the world willing to contribute to the show. They grew up admiring and mimicking Eddie Murphy. They were inspired to get into the business because of him, and they will want to help him succeed.
Don't ever forget, Eddie Murphy was the greatest living stand up comic at the height of his fame and one of the biggest stars in all of the world at the height of his movie career. That kind of talent and record of success brings with it a wealth of good will from an audience that will root for him to do well, and have confidence he will make this one of the best Oscars in recent memory.
Additionally, Murphy will understand what a massive opportunity this is, who the audience is, and how to make us all glad he took the job. The man is a veteran who can live up to the moment, and he will have almost every comedy writer in the world willing to contribute to the show. They grew up admiring and mimicking Eddie Murphy. They were inspired to get into the business because of him, and they will want to help him succeed.
Don't ever forget, Eddie Murphy was the greatest living stand up comic at the height of his fame and one of the biggest stars in all of the world at the height of his movie career. That kind of talent and record of success brings with it a wealth of good will from an audience that will root for him to do well, and have confidence he will make this one of the best Oscars in recent memory.
