Billy Crystal to return as Oscar host

Nov 10, 2011 by Ian Evans

Well, that was fast.

Veteran Oscar host Billy Crystal tweeted this afternoon that he was the new host of the 84th Academy Awards.

Crystal tweeted: “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.”

After a few hours where the media kept saying the gig was confirmed by inside sources, the Academy finally made the official announcement.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Billy back to the Oscar® stage,” said AMPAS President Tom Sherak. “He’s a comic legend and Oscar icon, and it feels good to have him back where he belongs.”

Producers Brian Grazer and Dom Mischer were also looking forward to Billy’s ninth hosting gig.

Said 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.”

Added 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.”

Crystal, who started the media buzz with his tweet, said that “Some of the best moments of my career have happened on the Oscar stage. I am thrilled to be back there.”

The 84th Academy Awards will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Stick with DigitalHit.com for all your 84th Academy Awards news.