AWARDS
Billy Crystal Will Now Be Hosting the 84th Annual Academy Awards
by Ethan Anderton
November 10, 2011
Source: Deadline
Well, that was fast. Just one day after Eddie Murphy relinquished his hosting duties for the 84th Annual Academy Awards following the controversial departure of producer Brett Ratner, Deadline is reporting that past host and comedy legend Billy Crystal will return to the Oscar stage next year. Doesn't sounds like the Academy is too worried about bringing in that young demographic as when they had James Franco and Anne Hathaway host the ceremony last year, and while I would've preferred The Muppets (who have a Twitter and Facebook campaign for support) take over hosting duties, Crystal is an old favorite of mine.
Here's the hilarious opening to the 76th Annual Academy Awards, which Billy Crystal hosted in 2004:
With producer Brian Grazer taking over for Brett Ratner, the trusty Crystal (who confirmed via Twitter) probably makes the Academy feel a little more safe and secure after all the controversy circling Ratner and then the brisk departure of Murphy shortly thereafter. And while there was a lot of support for The Muppets in a very short amount of time, since the ceremony will be broadcast on ABC (a Disney network), it's very likely everyone's favorite puppets could still make an appearance alongside Crystal. The real treat would be having the whole gang co-host the entire show with Crystal. That would bring in fans young and old who love The Muppets, and all those older demographics who still love Billy Crystal. Let's do this! Thoughts?
16 Comments
1
Great choice!! I'm even more excited that Crystal is hosting!
Blue Silver on Nov 10, 2011
2
They should select another comedian to co-host with him such as Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Ricky Gervais, Simon Pegg, Eddie Izzard, Rowan Atkinson, Owen Wilson, Jack Black, Rob Schneider, Chris Rock, Jeremy Piven, Mike Myers, Jim Carrey, William Shatner, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin, Tim Allen, Chevy Chase, John Goodman, Billy Connolly, Danny DeVito, Robin Williams, George Lopez, John Cleese or Steve Coogan.
Lydia on Nov 10, 2011
3
Coogan, yes!
JL on Nov 10, 2011
4
Great !!! I was really worried about eddie murphy hosting the oscars...
Nuno Lopes on Nov 10, 2011
5
When in doubt = Billy Crystal... lame.
Sixamsedna on Nov 10, 2011
6
Why? Have you seen the ones he's hosted? He's one of the best hosts they've ever had.
JL on Nov 10, 2011
7
somehow the best news i've heard all day.
Anonymous on Nov 10, 2011
8
It will be his 9th time hosting the event and I would like to see him co-hosting this time with another comedian to bounce off each other. He barely does any movies anymore so that would make it more interesting. It could also be him passing the baton to a younger comedian and set up a new comedian host who can return and who is a Billy Crystal level player.
Abi on Nov 10, 2011
9
This year had potential with some fresh ideas with Murphy and Ratner; now it's back to the 80's with the cheesey song and dance routines of Billy (yaaawwnn) Crystal.
Hattori Hanzo on Nov 10, 2011
10
Given the fact they are puppets, I doubt it would have been truly feasible for the Muppets to truly host the Oscars. However, I wouldn't rule out a cameo. I was actually looking forward to Eddie Murphy hosting, however I'm still happy that Billy Crystal has finally returned. Looking forward to the montage of him inserting himself into all the Best Picture nominees (was always my favourite bit).
Sean Kelly on Nov 10, 2011
11
Come on! no Jim Carrey? No Will Farrell ? Not even Ricky Gervais? Anything is better than last years hosts at this point.
WoodSon on Nov 10, 2011
12
Well, at least it's not that English douche that hosted the Globes last year..
Davide Coppola on Nov 11, 2011
13
I think there's a typo in this post: "...the trusty Crystal..." I'm pretty sure you meant "rusty" right? Right? Sure, Crystal was good host, comedian and star back in the day but aside from being the voice of Mike Wizowski, he looks decrepit and hasnt pulled a good role in ages. I certainly prefer him over Murphy, but I cant say Crystal's a big draw for me to get revved over.
Voice of Reason on Nov 11, 2011
14
was actually curious to see how Murphy would've pulled it off.. seems like this one will be a safe snoozefest
lossy on Nov 11, 2011
15
Give Billy Crystal a break, children. Just because someone is older doesn't mean they can't contribute. I'm so sick of this youth-obsessed culture. It's the Oscars, not the effing MTV Music Awards.
LumpySpacePrincess on Nov 11, 2011
16
you will never be able to recreate the magic of the first time with Billy Crystal. it's a shame Eddie opted out, would possibly have revitalised his flagging career
Curious Cat on Nov 13, 2011
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