MurphyOscars230.jpgDeadline is reporting that Oscar producer Brett Ratner will tell the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences that he wants Eddie Murphy to host next year's Oscars.

The site reports that this would be the first step in getting Murphy in for the gig -- the deal is far from done. But, Ratner reportedly is only interested in Murphy, though other big names have shown interest in the hosting job.

And, apparently Eddie's talent agency, WME, thinks hosting would be a good idea for his career. Murphy hasn't starred in a live-action movie on the big screen since 2009's Imagine That (he voiced in 2010's Shrek Forever After.) He has the comedy Tower Heist, co-starring Ben Stiller and Matthew Broderick, out Nov. 4 -- Ratner directed the pic.

Murphy has the stand-up comedy experience that many in the industry say are key for a good Oscars show. He has never hosted before.