Your New Oscars Host: Eddie Murphy

The rumor mill proved true this time: Eddie Murphy will host the Oscars in February, reports the Huffington Post. One connection that likely helped, as noted by Deadline: This year's show is being produced by Brett Ratner, who directed the soon-to-open movie Tower Heist, starring Murphy and Ben Stiller. Murphy also reportedly is a huge fan of the Oscars and movies in general, and he's got plenty of experience handling a live audience from his stand-up and SNL days. Click to read one Salon blogger's take on why this is a great pick. (Last year's co-host, James Franco, didn't go over so well with critics.)