Seth MacFarlane as Oscars Host: "He's a Great Choice," Says Eddie Murphy

Last year's almost-emcee weighs in on Family Guy funnyman's big Academy Awards gig

Eddie Murphy may have famously bowed out as the host of the 84th Academy Awards last year, but the 51-year-old funnyman says he's excited for next year's Oscars emcee Seth MacFarlane.

In fact, we broke the news about MacFarlane's big Oscars gig to Murphy just this weekend.

"I didn't know he was hosting," Murphy told us at the taping of his Spike TV Eddie Murphy: One Night Only tribute special on Saturday. "He's funny, absolutely."

Murphy says he has no doubt the Family Guy creator and Ted director will do a stellar job on Hollywood's biggest night, despite his lack of film experience.

"He's pretty funny," Murphy said, adding, "And he just directed one of the biggest movies of the year. He's a great choice. I've seen him host the [Comedy Central] roast [of Charlie Sheen]. He's funny. He'll be a good choice."

The Beverly Hills Cop star was tapped to host the 2012 show back in February, but dropped out after his pal after Brett Ratner resigned as the show producer following controversy he started for making a gay slur.

Brian Grazer filled in for Ratner as producer of the show, while Billy Crystal replaced Murphy as host.

It was announced back in October that MacFarlance was named host for the 85th Academy Awards, which will air on Feb. 24, 2013.