It’s official. After rumors started to circulate last week that Eddie Murphy was in talks to host next year’s Oscars telecast, he will officially be taking Academy Awards hosting duties for the first time.

ABC made the announcement Tuesday. The 84th Academy Awards are being produced by Don Mischer and Brett Ratner. Ratner also just so happens to have directed Murphy in his upcoming comedy “Tower Heist.”

“Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever,” said Ratner. “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.”

In his statement, Murphy made a point to name the long list of hosts that have become a part of the Oscars legacy, including Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, and Steve Martin. Funnily enough, he didn’t mention last year’s widely-panned hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco.

“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,” said Murphy. “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.”

Murphy is an Oscar nominee himself, having earned a nod for Best Supporting Actor in 2006 for “Dreamgirls.”

The 84th Academy Awards will air live on ABC Sunday, February 26th, 2012.

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