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Eddie Murphy Steps Down as Oscar Host Following Ratner's Debacle

by Alex Billington
November 9, 2011
Source: AMPAS

Well that was a short run. Following the reveal yesterday that Brett Ratner was resigning as producer of the Oscars next year, the AMPAS has now announced that Eddie Murphy, friend of Ratner, has also withdrawn as host of the 84th Academy Awards. It began with Murphy, on his "comeback tour" with Tower Heist, being Ratner's "one and only one" choice to host, and now both are out, they're back to square one, without a host, missing a producer, and a little over three months left until the show. This is a huge fallout from Ratner's inappropriate slur, but maybe it's all for the better. I wasn't a fan of Murphy hosting anyway.

"I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well," said AMPAS President Tom Sherak. Sounds like he stuck by his friend. Murphy himself also commented in the official press release, stating: "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." I'm curious to see who they'll line-up for this instead, but maybe it's Billy Crystal's chance to step up and be the actual host.

The show must go on, and the Academy will recover and continue planning for the 84th Academy Awards, being presented on Sunday, February 26th, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. This is just a wild story to watch unfold, as I've never seen two people be brought in and removed so quickly from something as prestigious as the Oscars. Honestly, I say good riddance to both, I'm much happier with them aiming for someone like Crystal; I was never that excited for Eddie Murphy as a host anyway, his career isn't coming back as far as I can tell. Let's quickly move on and find someone else funny to help hand out golden statues.

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