Brian Grazer Is New Oscar Producer, Takes Over For Brett Ratner

24 hours ago Brett Ratner resigned as the producer of the 84th Annual Academy Awards after a homophobic slur he made dominated trade headlines and now super-producer Brian Grazer has stepped in to fill his shoes.

According to Academy president Tom Sherak:

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

Grazer will produce the awards show with Don Mischer and in his own release said:

“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,” while adding, “Don is a legend, and I am excited to work with him.”

At this time it’s still unclear who the two men will be producing, after Ratner handed in his letter of resignation host Eddie Murphy announced that he was stepping down as the shows MC. Ratner directed Murphy in Towerheist while Grazer produced the film which makes the Oscar choice for a new producer an odd selection given the two men’s professional working relationship.

When Eddie Murphy stepped down it appeared to be in support of his friend and with Grazer taking over there’s still a chance that Murphy could return to support his most recent films producer.

In the meantime there’s a very good chance Grazer could be up for an Oscar for his producing work on the Clint Eastwood film “J.Edgar” which starts Leonardo DiCaprio.

Do you think Grazer is a good choice for producing the Academy Awards.

[Image via lev radin / Shutterstock.com]