Eddie Murphy arrives for film premiere.
Ratner, who is to submit a name to the Academy President Tom Sherak, is said to have asked Murphy whether he would accept the hosting duty if he's offered, and Murphy is
said to be showing interest, said The Hollywood Reporter.
"Nobody knows movies better or is a bigger cinephile than Eddie. Not Brett. Not even Quentin Tarantino. Eddie can quote scenes from every single movie word for word. He can bring all that experience to hosting. Plus he has Saturday Night Live experience before a live crowd. And worldwide the biggest crossover comedians are Will Smith and Eddie Murphy," an insider said.
However, Ratner's choice is not a 100% guaranteed to be approved. The other producer, Don Mischer, said that big names have approached the board and showed interest to become the host.
Last month, it was reported that eight-time host Billy Crystal could be back on the post.
Ratner has worked with Murphy in the upcoming movie Tower Heist.