Eddie Murphy has told A.M.P.A.S. that he is backing out of hosting next year's Oscar awards ceremony. Although he issued a graciously-worded statement, Murphy's decision was actually a response to the Academy pressuring director Brett Ratner to resign from next year's ceremonies. Ratner, who directed Murphy in the recently-released Tower Heist flick, came under fire after issuing an anti-gay slur as well as crude sexual comments regarding his love life with former flame, actress Olivia Munn. Murphy's decision is based on his support of Ratner, who he considers to be a personal friend. The Oscar gig was to be a central part of Murphy's grand plans to stage a comeback. He might regret the decision: the heavily-hyped Tower Heist opened to lightweight grosses at the boxoffice. Click here for more