Billy Crystal Is Back Hosting the Oscars
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It could have been just another joke, when Billy Crystal tweeted Thursday afternoon that he’s hosting the Oscars, replacing his old “Saturday Night Live” castmate, Eddie Murphy.
“Am doing the Oscars so the young woman in the pharmacy will stop asking my name when I pick up my prescriptions. Looking forward to the show,” he posted on his Twitter page.
But Los Angeles affiliate KABC confirmed with the Academy that Crystal is indeed the host.
Crystal, who hosted the show eight times — only Bob Hope can top that — is the obvious safe choice. But at 63, the “When Harry Met Sally” star is not exactly a fresh face likely to lure the young viewers the Academy so desperately covets.
Still, Crystal, who is equally liked by audiences and Academy members, could rescue the show by returning for the first time since 2004.
The show has been under fire since producer Brett Ratner tendered his resignation Tuesday amid the backlash that he’d used an anti-gay slur. The following day, his handpicked host and “Tower Heist” star, Murphy, also stepped down.
Hours after Murphy’s exit, Academy organizers drafted Brian Grazer, the Oscar-winning producer of “A Beautiful Mind,” to fill the slot vacated by Ratner.
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I am soooooooo happy that Billy C is coming back to host the Oscars! I really missed him! It hasn’t been the same since. Good luck Billy! And to pull a quote from one movie we all love to watch, “May the force be with you.”
Posted by: S | November 10, 2011, 5:41 pm 5:41 pm
Marvelous. Absolutely marvelous!
Posted by: Get_Down | November 10, 2011, 5:57 pm 5:57 pm
That’s the best news I’ve seen in a long time ! Haven’t watched the Oscars in ages – seems like the new “celebrities” are too boring – but this time I sure will be watching.
Posted by: zilchnew | November 10, 2011, 6:00 pm 6:00 pm
Seriously, Billy has been the best and most hilarious of all Oscar hosts for the past 50 years. Good to see him back. Hope he does his famous movie compilation at the opening, you know the bit where he stars in all the big movies of the year?
Posted by: munster42 | November 10, 2011, 7:21 pm 7:21 pm
You look mahvelous Billy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Sherrill Burch | November 10, 2011, 7:46 pm 7:46 pm
I am so happy to hear this. Mr. Crystal makes the Oscars entertaining. I especially remember the opening bit when “The English Patient” was up for an Oscar and how Crystal included that into his opening act. Watch his participation in the roasting of Old Hollywood; he has a quick wit and really appeals to any generation. Thank you Academy Awards, you have finally made a wise decision. He should be the defacto host every year.
Posted by: Jimbo | November 11, 2011, 2:28 am 2:28 am
Cool! I thought he did a good job. Even if he’s jewish. I guess Obama won’t be watching….
Posted by: newcountryman | November 11, 2011, 7:46 am 7:46 am
Booooooooooorrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnggggggg.Yawn. Hollywood playing it safe again. Give old “Oscar” a shot in the arm with some new talent. Wanda Sykes would have been a better choice. I used to tune in the Oscars because of the host of the event, not the self-aggrandizing nominees.
Posted by: Ted TampaBay | November 11, 2011, 7:52 am 7:52 am
I am so excited to hear this! Billy Crystal is Mr. Oscar; he is clearly the best to ever host this event. I haven’t watched the Oscars in years, but I will this coming show ONLY because of Billy Crystal.
Posted by: rubblebubblecake | November 11, 2011, 8:23 am 8:23 am
Am I the only person tired of his stale schtick?
I look at hosting choice disasters like last year’s James Franco and can understand the bland, safe choice. But I was so looking forward to Eddie Murphy. He’s like nitroglycerine; you just don’t what will happen. Crystal’s self-satisfied style is so irritating. Count me out!
Posted by: Rich Rodarte | November 11, 2011, 9:42 am 9:42 am
I love Billy! He always does a good job. Whoopi Goldberg would also have been a good choice.
Posted by: Max | November 11, 2011, 12:29 pm 12:29 pm
Wow, Billy Crystal looks like Darth Vader at the end of Return of the Jedi.
Posted by: Gnarles Bronson | November 12, 2011, 12:03 am 12:03 am
Billy Crystal? Am I the only one bored already? How is he remotely relevant, he hasn’t been in anything for yeaaarrs!
Posted by: Jude | December 8, 2011, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm