Billy Crystal Will Host Academy Awards!

Billy Crystal

Producers Brian Grazer and Don Mischer announced late today that Billy Crystal will serve as host for the 84th Academy Awards. "I'm thrilled to welcome Billy back to the Oscar stage," said President Tom Sherak of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. "He's a comic legend and Oscar icon, and it feels good to have him back where he belongs."

I, and some of my associates, family and friends were lobbying for Crystal, and we have experienced true wish fulfillment. Crystal is exactly the shot-in-the-arm the Oscar telecast needs, in my humble opinion.

This will mark Crystal's ninth time as host. Only Bob Hope hosted more Academy Awards presentations, with 19 ceremonies between 1940 and 1978. Crystal last hosted the Academy Awards in 2004. He has been sorely missed.

The big question now is, will he enter riding a horse? Then, everyone can truly say that Crystal road to the rescue of the Academy Awards. I know the Muppet's fans are disappointed in the choice of Crystal, but I will not be surprised if they make a special appearance. Now that this is settled, let the official Awards' Season begin!

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood and Highland Center, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.