Comedic actor Eddie Murphy will host the 2012 Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Tuesday.

This will be Murphy's first time hosting the Academy Awards, which will have its 84th ceremony on Feb. 26.

Director Brett Ratner, who directed Murphy in the upcoming film Tower Heist, will be producing the Oscar ceremony with Don Mischer, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever, Ratner said in a statement, the LA Times reported. With his love of movies, history of crafting unforgettable characters and his iconic performances -- especially onstage -- I know he will bring an excitement, spontaneity and tremendous heart to the show Don and I want to produce in February.

Murphy joins a long list of Oscar hosts with backgrounds in comedy, some of whom were tapped multiple times for the job, such as Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal.

Here is a look at some of the past Oscar hosts.

Mistress of Ceremonies Whoopi Goldberg performs her opening number during the 74th annual Academy Aw.
Mistress of Ceremonies Whoopi Goldberg performs her opening number during the 74th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood March 24, 2002. Reuters
Billy Crystal
Host Billy Crystal is carried onstage for the 72nd Academy Awards show in 2000. This will be Crystal's ninth time hosting the Oscars. Reuters
Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin host the 82nd Academy Awards in Hollywood
Actors Steve Martin (L) and Alec Baldwin host the 82nd Academy Awards in Hollywood March 7, 2010. Reuters
Host Jon Stewart introduces a performance during the 80th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood
Host Jon Stewart introduces a performance during the 80th annual Academy Awards, the Oscars, in Hollywood, February 24, 2008. Reuters
Show host Ellen DeGeneres holds Oscar in baby sling at 79th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood
Show host Ellen DeGeneres holds an Oscar in a baby sling at the 79th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, February 25, 2007. Reuters
Academy of motion picture arts and sciences Los Angeles Los Angeles