Los Angeles, Sep 7 (IANS): Actor Eddie Murphy, popular for films like "Beverly Hills Cop" and the "The Nutty Professor", will host the 84th Academy Awards ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Beverly Hills Feb 26, 2012.

Telecast producers Brett Ratner and Don Mischer made the announcement through a statement on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' official website.

This will be Murphy's first stint as the host for Oscars, and he hopes to do a good job.

"I am enormously honoured to join the great list of past Academy Award hosts from Hope and Carson to Crystal, Martin and Goldberg, among others. 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 recognise the great film contributions and collaborations from the past year," said Murphy.

The actor, who began his career at the age of 15 as a stand-up comedian, had earned an Oscar nomination in 2006 for his supporting role in "Dreamgirls".

The show producers feel the movie enthusiast would add excitement to the show. Last year, Anne Hathaway and James Franco hosted the show.

"Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever. 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 Don and I want to produce in February," said Ratner.

Commented Mischer: "Eddie is a truly ground-breaking performer, whose amazingly diverse array of roles has won him a devoted audience of all ages. His quick wit and charisma will serve him very well as Oscar host."