ABC has confirmed that a former "SNL" player turned movie superstar will host the 2012 Oscarcast.

"Oscar nominee Eddie Murphy, whose performing career spans movies, television and the stage, will host this year’s Academy Awards show on Sunday, February 26, 2012, telecast producers Brett Ratner and Don Mischer announced today," according to the ABC announcement. "This will be Murphy’s first hosting stint on the Oscars."

TVWeek previously reported that Murphy was likely to be the host.

The announcement continues, " ‘Eddie is a comedic genius, one of the greatest and most influential live performers ever,’ said Ratner. ‘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.’ ”

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

Murphy said, in the statement, "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. I’m looking forward to working with Brett and Don on creating a show that is enjoyable for both the fans at home and for the audience at the Kodak Theatre, as we all come together to celebrate and recognize the great film contributions and collaborations from the past year.”

Murphy received his Oscar nomination — for Best Supporting Actor — in 2007 for his memorable role as James "Thunder" Early  in “Dreamgirls.”