Eddie Murphy on stage at the 81st Annual Academy Awards®. Photo credit: Michael Yada / ©A.M.P.A.S.
One day after Brett Ratner stepped down as producer of the 84th Academy Awards, after making a homophobic comment, Eddie Murphy has also resigned as host of the show.
There was speculation that Murphy would bolt considering it was Ratner who got Murphy to agree to host. Ratner also directed the Eddie Murphy/Ben Stiller action-comedy Tower Heist and once Ratner was gone, it appears Murphy deemed it necessary to drop out of the event as well.
Based on the statement released by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak, AMPAS must have understood the actor’s decision.
“I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well,” said Sherak.
Murphy addressed his decision in the same release.
“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.”
Question is, who will the new producer and host be and how quickly can they get the ball rolling. The Awards are set to go live February 26th, 2012 and that’s not a lot of time to plan a major event like the Oscars.
Our suggestion: Call Steve Martin or Hugh Jackman. Both are suave, charismatic and funny – a necessary element for a program of this undertaking. Plus, they have proven track records hosting.
As for the producer, well that’s a bit tougher. Gil Cates would have been a natural choice to step in, having produced so many of the Academy Award telecasts. Unfortunately, Cates died October 31st. Perhaps longtime Oscar director, Lou Horvitz is available. He certainly knows the game and would be a great alternate.
Whoever the choice, the Academy and the replacements will have their work cut out for them.
Posted by Mari Cartel