Here is the mildly odd pick to be this year's Oscars host

Is it 1987 again?

Eddie Murphy has been picked to host the Academy Awards on Feb. 26 for the first time in his career.

Tuesday’s announcement makes Oscar organizers appear as though they are aiming for laughs in 2012, after this year’s performance by co-hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco fell flat with critics and viewers.

The gig pairs Murphy with director Brett Ratner, another Oscar first-timer best known for action movies and comedies.

In a statement, Murphy said he was honored to be joining the likes of Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg, among the show’s past hosts.

Celebs we’d like to see host the show

• Charlie Sheen: Instead of Oscars, “#winners” will get goddesses.

• Andy Dick: We give him 20 minutes before he either drops his pants or gets arrested.

• Snooki: But can she read a teleprompter?

• Kanye West: We’re sure he won’t interrupt anyone.

(with Reuters)