This news will come as a crushing disppointment to many – Billy Crystal is set to host the 2012 Academy Awards. Not that there’s anything wrong with Mr Crystal (though, let’s be honest, his best days are way behind him), but after Eddie Murphy stepped down from the gig earlier this week, the Internet was abuzz with speculation over whether The Muppets would host. It’s safe to say that Jim Henson’s Muppets would have been a far more interesting – and we dare say entertaining – choice for the show. This news follows not only the departure of Eddie Murphy, but also Brett Ratner, who was tipped to produce.
This may, of course, had been very wishful thinking, but would have been perfectly timed considering the upcoming release of THE MUPPETS, the troupe’s long-awaited return to the silver screen (November in the US, and February in the UK). However, all may not be lost, as Billy Crystal does appear in the new movie, so is it possible that Kermit and Co are set to cameo at the prestigious awards ceremony?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released the following statement regarding Crystal’s return to Oscars host duties:
Producers Brian Grazer and Don Mischer have announced that Billy Crystal will serve as host for the 84th Academy Awards. “I’m thrilled to welcome Billy back to the Oscar® stage,” said Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Tom Sherak. “He’s a comic legend and Oscar icon, and it feels good to have him back where he belongs.”
Commented Grazer, “Like so many others, I’ve been eager to see Billy host again. It’s very gratifying that he agreed to do it with Don and me at the helm.”
Said Mischer, “With Billy, we’re moving forward with one of the greatest hosts in Oscar history. His return to the Oscars® is, in a sense, a celebration.”
This will mark Crystal’s ninth time as host. Only Bob Hope has hosted more Academy Awards presentations, with 19 ceremonies between 1940 and 1978. Crystal last hosted the Academy Awards in 2004.
“Some of the best moments of my career have happened on the Oscar stage. I am thrilled to be back there. Actually, I am doing this so that the young woman in my pharmacy will stop asking me my name when I pick up my prescriptions,” said Crystal.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar® presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.
