Oscars, get ready for Eddie Murphy.

The academy in charge of Hollywood’s biggest awards show announced today that the stand-up comic and Oscar-nominated actor will host the 2012 ceremonies, which are being produced by Brett Ratner and Don Mischer.

“Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever,” Ratner said in a statement put out by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.  “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.”

Murphy added: “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. 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.”

The Murphy-Ratner pairing makes sense. Murphy stars in the upcoming action/comedy “Tower Heist,” directed by Ratner, which opens Nov. 4.

The Murphy-hosted Oscars will air on ABC on February 26, 2012. The comedian and “Nutty Professor” star scored his first Oscar nomination, best supporting actor, for 2006's “Dreamgirls.” He reportedly stormed out of the show when Alan Arkin won the award over him.