Photo: Coolspotters.com
It’s official, Eddie Murphy is hosting the 84th annual Oscars airing February 26 on ABC. He’s played cops, pet doctors, a talking animated donkey and a “Nutty Professor,” but the 2012 Oscars gig is arguably one of his highest profile roles to date. Though Eddie, nominated for an Oscar in 2006 for his supporting role in Dreamgirls, has manned the podium for the MTV Video Music Awards in 1985 at the height of his success with Beverly Hills Cop and 48 Hours, as well as the MTV Movie Awards in 1993, the Oscars has a worldwide audience, and a notoriously tough crowd. (James Franco and Anne Hathaway were unmercifully panned for their collaborative hosting gig at last year’s ceremony). But the Saturday Night Live veteran is known for making fans laugh with his comedic chops, both outrageous and kid-friendly. “Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever,” Brett Ratner, director of this year’s ceremony, said in a statement. “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.”
Eddie’s “quick wit and charisma will certainly serve him very well as Oscar host. His take on pulling hosting duty at the Oscars, “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,” he said in a statement. “I’m looking forward to working with Brett and Don on creating a show that is enjoyable for both the fans at home and for the audience at the Kodak Theatre, as we all come together to celebrate and recognize the great film contributions and collaborations from the past year.” Deemed “one of the most thankless jobs in Hollywood” we’re exited to see Eddie really rise to the occasion–as he does here from a stylistic sense in these flawless Gucci aviators. –rpuccia
Buy these now: Gucci 1956/S, $232
