The rumors are confirmed: 50-year-old comedian/actor Eddie Murphy will host the 84th Annual Academy Awards this Fall. Good for him.

“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,” Murphy said in a press release.

“Rush Hour” director Brett Ratner, who is producing the ceremony, recently directed Murphy in the upcoming movie “Tower Heist,” and Murphy was reportedly Ratner’s top choice to host the show.

“Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever,” Ratner said in a press release. “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.”