Eddie Murphy the front-runner to host 2012 Oscars

According to a report by Deadline, Eddie Murphy has emerged as the front-runner to present the 84th Academy Awards ceremony.

Brett Ratner is producing the show this year, and apparently Murphy's is the name he'll be putting forward to Academy president Tom Sherak.

It shouldn't come as a huge surprise to learn that Ratner is favouring Murphy, as the pair have recently worked together on upcoming comedy Tower Heist, a kind of everyman's Ocean's Eleven.

With his background in stand-up comedy, Murphy could certainly bring a bit of much needed energy to the proceedings, not too mention a welcome smattering of 'edge.'

Some rumour sites are reporting Murphy's role as a done deal, although there has been no official confirmation yet. According to Deadline, Oscars favourite Billy Crystal will be involved in some capacity.

Eddie Murphy received a Best Supporting Actor nomination from the Academy for Dreamgirls in 2007.

Tower Heist opens on 4 November 2011.