Looks like James Franco won't be invited back again: Deadline.com reports that Eddie Murphy is the frontrunner to host this year's Academy Awards telecast. The comedian is reportedly the top choice of new producer Brett Ratner, who is said to be presenting only Murphy's name on his shortlist to Academy brass. Murphy, who was up for an Oscar in 2006 for Dreamgirls but lost, is apparently an awards-show buff. He also has a slate of upcoming films that could benefit from the exposure the gig would bring.
