Cast member Eddie Murphy attends the premiere of the film “Imagine That” in Los Angeles June 6, 2009. ©Reuters

BEIJING, Sept. 6 — Renowned U.S. Actor Eddie Murphy is now the front-runner to host the 84th Academy Awards in 2012, according to media reports Tuesday.

Eddie Murphy is said to be favored by Brett Ratner, a producer of the awards broadcast who just finished directing Murphy in the soon-to-be-released thriller “Tower Heist,” according to Hollywood Reporter.

Brett Ratner is expected to meet with Academy president Tom Sherak after the Labor Day holiday to discuss potential hosts, the magazine said.

Murphy has never acted as Oscars host before. Watchers say his onstage reputation for unpredictability, as well as high-profile public scandal has most likely made Oscars organizers reluctant in the past.

Murphy might have some competition from Billy Crystal, a successful Oscar host who recently said he would like to host the show again.

A final decision is reportedly expected by mid-September.

On Xinhua Web site: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/entertainment/2011-09/06/c_131103083.htm