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Eddie Murphy will host the 84th annual Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday.

“I am enormously honored to join the great list of past Academy Award hosts from Hope and Carson to Crystal, Martin and Goldberg, among others,” Murphy said in a press release.

“Rush Hour” director Brett Ratner, who is producing the ceremony, recently directed Murphy in the upcoming movie “Tower Heist,” and Murphy was reportedly Ratner’s top choice to host the show.

“Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever,” Ratner said in a press release. “With his love of movies, history of crafting unforgettable characters and his iconic performances — especially on stage — I know he will bring excitement, spontaneity and tremendous heart to the show.”

AP

Eddie Murphy.Murphy was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2006 for his role in “Dreamgirls.”

Billy Crystal, who hosted the awards show eight times between 1990 and 2004, was also rumored to be in the running for hosting duties before Murphy was officially tapped to host.

The 84th Annual Academy Awards will air on ABC on Feb. 26, 2012.

Via:SandraRose.com/NYPost.com