It seems at first a strange idea: Eddie Murphy hosting the Oscars. Possibly because he hasn’t done a lot of the kind of standup comedy lately that is thought to be helpful for a host.

On the other hand, he is a movie star, who has had his success in animation, high class movies like “Chicago” and no end to his own silly dress up comedies. He will be among peers, for better or worse, by being their host (rather than being imported from mere TV fame).

Maybe they told him he could do a musical opening number, reprising his “Party All the Time” days.

But even if he did, it can’t be worse than last year’s train wreck of James Franco and Anne Hathaway.

Still, it will be the first time a person best known by a generation for being the voice of a Donkey will be in such a high profile entertainment role.