EddieMurphyOfficialOscarHost.jpgDeadline reported Tuesday morning that Eddie Murphy is definitely hosting the Oscars, though the Academy has not yet made an announcement.

Director Brett Ratner produces the show, and he will tell the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences that he's chosen Murphy to host. Murphy stars in Ratner's comedy Tower Heist, out in November.

Usually, an Oscar host is not announced until January, but reportedly Murphy's talent agency, WME, thinks the news would be a good boost to his career.

He hasn't starred in a live-action pic on the big screen since 2009's forgettable Imagine That.

Murphy has stand-up comedy roots that may be what the show needs after last year's dismally reviewed show with Anne Hathaway and James Franco. Stand-ups have done best in the past -- the 1998 show hosted by Billy Crystal is still the top-rated telecast of all time.

UPDATE [12:05 p.m. PST]: The Academy has officially announced Murphy as host.