AMPAS wasted little time in finding replacements for producer Brett Ratner and host Eddie Murphy in the wakeof their sudden exodus from next February's Oscar telecast. Brian Grazer stepped in yesterday in place of Ratner, and today it has been confirmed that Billy Crystal, the best Oscar host I've ever had the pleasure of seeing MC the show, is swooping into the gap left by Murphy. It's a role Crystal knows well. He has an easy charm with his audience that can only come from years of doing the gig.
Personally, I'm delighted. I've been waiting patiently since 2004 (the last time Crystal hosted) for his return to the stage. His surprise appearance at last year's show only whetted my appetite further, but now it seems my wait is over. There were those lobbying online for an Oscar ceremony hosted by the Muppets, for which I would have been 100% on board, but a seasoned pro as classy and witty as Crystal is a more-than-adequate alternative.
