Billy Crystal to Host Oscars Telecast

BURBANK: Billy Crystal is to host the 84th Academy Awards on February 26, 2012 on ABC, replacing Eddie Murphy, who has pulled out.

Murphy exited following Brett Ratner’s resignation to produce the show due to criticism of Ratner’s use of an anti-gay slur at a screening for his film Tower Heist, which stars Murphy and Ben Stiller. Film producer Brian Grazer is replacing Ratner and joining co-producer Don Mischer. This will be Crystal’s ninth time hosting the Academy Awards, which he last hosted in 2004.

The Academy Awards will take place at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and will be broadcasted live by the ABC Television Network in more than 200 countries.

“Some of the best moments of my career have happened on the Oscar stage,” Crystal said. “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.”

“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.”

Grazer added, “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.”

Mischer commented, “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.”