Brian Grazer Steps Up to Replace Brett Ratner as Oscar Producer. Next Question: Now Who Should Replace Eddie Murphy as Host?

[Breaking: The Academy has just announced that Brian Grazer has been chosen to produce the 84th Academy Awards with Don Mischer. This will be Grazer’s first outing as Oscar producer.]

I was just talking with the AP’s David Germain and the question of who should host the Oscars came up. He asked what my choices were – I ran down my usual, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Colbert, Oprah. I am also not opposed to Billy Crystal hosting. But Germain suggested Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy from Bridesmaids and something clicked. They seem like, to me, the perfect hosts.

Kris Tapley floated the idea of the Muppets hosting. Their latest movie is, by all accounts, great and surprisingly moving. I don’t think this is a bad idea, particularly, but when it comes to darkness and lightness, I always prefer the darker hosts for the Oscars. I like the David Letterman/Jon Stewart/Steve Martin/Alec Baldwin type of host. But that’s just me.

But Dear Santa, hear my plea. Please let Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig host the Oscars.

How about you, dear readers, your greatest wish?

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AMPAS Press Release Announcing the Producer Swap of 2012

“Brian Grazer is a renowned filmmaker who over the past 25 years has produced a diverse and extraordinary body of work,” said Sherak. “He will certainly bring his tremendous talent, creativity and relationships to the Oscars®.”

“I am thrilled to welcome Brian Grazer as my partner and that we will be collaborating to produce an outstanding show,” echoed Mischer.

“It’s very gratifying to be part of a show that honors excellence in the medium to which I have devoted so much of my career,” said Grazer. “Don is a legend, and I am excited to work with him.”