Crystal's most recent hosting turn in 2004 delivered 43.6 million U.S. viewers, a mark the show hasn't hit since. Given general ratings erosion, anything above last year's 37.6 million viewers likely will be considered a hit.
Bob D'Amico/ABCComedian Billy Crystal will add nine-time Oscar host to his resume when he takes the stage at this Sunday’s 84th annual Academy Awards. This puts Crystal in the number two spot of having hosted the most Oscars behind Bob Hope, who helped pass out the golden statues a whopping 18 times.
As Crystal prepares for his Oscar duties in the 11th hour, the comic has ramped up his presence on Twitter in recent days to heighten awareness of the telecast. The comic actor has been a member of the Twitter community since April 2011, but has used the service sparingly until recently.
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Crystal was asked to host the show after the sudden and controversial exit of the telecast’s original producer Brett Ratner and host Eddie Murphy – who previously worked together on Tower Heist. Producer Brian Grazer was ultimately chosen to replace Ratner.
Although Crystal has refrained from sharing what he has in store for viewers fans can keep up to date with his musings leading up to the big day online. Below, find a sampling of his best tweets.
February 23 2:26pm
@BillyCrystal: #oscars news: can’t get into theater today -shut down for construction of the Octagon.(to settle matters in the event of a tie)
February 23 12:04pm
@BillyCrystal: Changing my opening, hand puppets too itchy.
February 23 12:03pm
@BillyCrystal: #Oscars are a few days away. Tonight I might tweet winner of best supporting actor. Really, who can stop me?
February 22, 2012
@Billy Crystal: Great news! Hosting Oscars counts five hours toward my community service!
February 21, 2012
@BillyCrystal: First rehearsal: They said keep it “fresh and new.” This from an industry that just brought us Fast & Furious 5 and Harry Potter 7, part 2.
November 10, 2011:
@BillyCrystal: 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
E-mail: Shannon.Ma@thr.com; Twitter: @HelloShannonM
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