Los Angeles (CNN) -- Comedian Eddie Murphy will host the Oscars next February, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday.

Brett Ratner, who will produce the 84th Academy Awards show along with Don Mischer, called Murphy "a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever."

"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," Ratner said.

Critics panned the co-hosting team of Anne Hathaway and James Franco after last February's awards show, putting pressure on producers to hire a host who will stir positive buzz and draw viewers.

"Eddie is a truly ground-breaking performer, whose amazingly diverse array of roles has won him a devoted audience of all ages," Mischer said. "His quick wit and charisma will serve him very well as Oscar host."

Murphy was nominated for best supporting actor in 2006 for his supporting role in "Dreamgirls."

"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," said Murphy, referring to previous hosts and show-business legends Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg.

Murphy, who started his stand-up comedy career at 15, was 19 when he became the youngest cast member on TV's "Saturday Night Live" in 1980.

His feature film debut came in 1982's "48 Hrs." and was followed by "Beverly Hills Cop" and the "The Nutty Professor" and "Shrek" franchises. Murphy's movies have earned in excess of $7 billion at box offices worldwide, according to the Academy's news release.

What are the answers to this following set of questions:

1. Who will be leader of ceremonies at the upcoming award show?
2. What is he famous for?
3. When is the ceremony?
4. Has Murphy had any nominations?
5. For what?
6. When was that movie out?
7. Who hosted last year?
8. Were they popular with the press?
9. Who are some other Oscar hosts mentioned?
10. When did Murphy start working as a comedian?
11. How old was he?
12. What TV show was he on?
13. Who will produce the award show?
14. Will he do it alone?
15. Who's his co-producer?
16. Is he a fan of Murphie?
17. When was this announcement made?
18. Who made the announcement?
19. Is Eddie Murphy happy to have the job?
20. In what film did he make his debut?
1. Eddie Murphy
2. He's a comedian
3. Next February
4. Yes
5. for his supporting role in "Dreamgirls."
6. 2006
7. Anne Hathaway and James Franco
8. No
9. Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg.
10. 1976
11. 15
12. "Saturday Night Live"
13. Brett Ratner
14. No
15. Don Mischer
16. Yes
17. Tuesday
18. the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
19. Yes
20. 48 Hrs