UPDATE: On the producer front, The Hollywood Reporter is reporting Brian Grazer is in discussions with Academy president Tom Sherak to step in to replace Brett Ratner as producer of the 84th Academy Awards. One day after Brett Ratner resigned as Oscar producer, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a press release today announcing that Eddie Murphy has withdrawn as host of the 84th Academy Awards, which included a statement from Academy president Tom Sherak saying, “I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well,” said Sherak. A comment from Murphy was also included saying:
Rumors already began flying as to who would replace Brett Ratner as producer as Deadline noted they’d heard Scott Sanders (who was eyed before Ratner got the nod) was being looked at along with previous Oscar producers Joe Roth, Adam Shankman and Laurence Mark. Now the Academy has to concern themselves with finding a replacement host. There is certainly time to do so as the Oscars don’t air until Sunday, February 26, 2012, but planning and prepping for the live presentation can’t be easy and the last thing they want is a show like last year’s. Previously, Billy Crystal, who has hosted the Oscars eight times, second only to Bob Hope’s 18, told The Hollywood Reporter he got “a little itchy” after a surprise appearance at last year’s show. Now may be the best time to bring him back. Do you have any suggestions? Show Comments |