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Gary Hershorn / Reuters file
Billy Crystal takes the stage during the 83rd Academy Awards in Hollywood on Feb. 27.
I'd have to review the tapes, but I might have made a remark during last year's Oscar broadcast, commenting that the show had deteriorated so much, I actually missed Billy Crystal. I think I'd like to take that back, now that Crystal seems to be throwing his hat back in the Oscar ring. The eight-time host told the audience at the Aug. 12 "City Slickers" 20th anniversary screening in Santa Monica, Calif., that last year's Oscars cameo made him "itchy" to return to the show, the Los Angeles Times reports.
"It got to be too much after a while and the sameness in my life," Crystal said. "That's why I pulled back. And then when I thought I might want to do it again, they were on to other people. It's always fun. It's really hard, but maybe one or two more times? I don't know. They know where I am."
Crystal said that his cameo was not in the works long before it actually happened.
"I came out last year as a surprise. It was a last-minute decision," Crystal explained to the sold-out audience on Friday. "They had called and said would you do this thing and honor Bob Hope and that was a kind of cool thing to do. I said OK. I did it, and people wanted to see me, they stood up, and I couldn't talk for about a minute [while waiting for the ovation]. And, um, I got a little itchy. So we'll see what happens. I can't promise anything."
The 84th Academy Awards will take place Feb. 26. Are you more likely to tune in if Crystal hosts? Or did last year's tepid performance by Anne Hathaway and James Franco sour you on the show? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Looking foward to watching Mr.Crystal! He's the best!!!!!!!
If the academy/networks want ANY ratings they better bring back Billy who will always be considered THE best host the show has ever had. Please bring him back, okay????
Please, please, pretty please bring Billy Crystal back. He's the only one who knows how to do this show with grace, elegance, and a lot of laughs without going over to the dark side. No T&A, no f-bombs. Just plain Billy. Bring him on.
i vote for georgie jessel;-)
Ms. Hazlett, whoever she is, states that the Oscar telecasts had gotten so bad that she missed Billy Crystal's hosting. But then, when Crystal indicates an interest in hosting again, she retracts her statement.
I'm lost here. Did she mention Crystal merely as a snarky joke ("This show's so bad, even Billy Crystal would be better"). As there seems to be a good deal of popular support for Mr. Crystal's return, does Hazlett want us to know that she's too cool for such sentiments? Or is it just a case of Hazlett not knowing what stance would be most popular, so she plays it safe by being sarcastic?
I suggest Ms. Hazlett try writing simple subject-verb sentences for a while, and leave the side-splitting humor for professionals.
Wasn't going for side-splitting humor in the least, Dave. Rather, I was sick of crystal by the time he left, but actually found myself missing him last year. But not so much I'd actually want him back.
Thanks for the suggestions, though.
Cheers,
Courtney
Courtney Hazlett is a local columnist in Jacksonville, FL....please do NOT hold that fact against our great town of Jacksonville!!!!
Ms. Hazlett--
Since you got tired of Billy Crystal as the host of the Academy Awards, I can't imagine who you think would be a good replacement for him. Russell Brand?
Russell Brand??!!?? OMG I think I just had an aneurysm...pleez, pleez NOOOOOOO!!!!
Gimme Billy or give me something significantly less than death. Okay, okay, just give me Billy. Please...
yes dammit yes.
Billy Crystal is awesome, funny and has great timing...I would absolutely watch the show if he was the host...
No awards show follows the script exactly, and when it falters, you need someone like Billy Crystal who can ad lib his way through the snafus that result. I would probably watch either way, but with Crystal, I am sure it would be more entertaining !!
I'm an Award show junkie, so I'll watch no matter who is hosting, Given that, Billy Crystal is just the best! Last year's was one of worst, but I watched it to the bitter end. Bring back Billy!!!!
Courtney & Dave -
I initially missed the retraction, and the comment sounded snarky to me, too. I consider Crystal to be a comedic giant, and easily the best Oscar host since Carson. If he WANTS to do the show again, the Academy would be foolish to wait even a day before contacting him.
PLEASE bring back Billy Crystal! The hosts of the last few years have been horrible, especially last year!
I say get Ricky Gervais to do it. It certainly wouldn't be boring!
He's been away long enough! I'd take him back in a heartbeat. The Oscars have been unwatchable for years!
Come back, Billy, come back!
/
I love Billy Crystal, even if he is a hard-core Yankees fan!
bring him back, please!!!!
He's about 80 years old and on his 10th facelift. His time has passed.
Indeed, gotta love that form of communication that isn't committed to anything. Everything is a head-scratcher.
Whoops, hit the wrong "reply" link, that last one was to Dave regarding the author.
I liked Steve Martin. This time, he could play the banjo.
Running outta money there Billy boy?
billy would be a amusing choice . However if I could choose I would choose - - - -Bob Hope !!
Bob Hope never did a thing in his life unless it brought him money. That INCLUDES the visits to the troops. If you ever talk with anyone in Hollywood who dealt with him, you would know of what I speak. I never considered him funny in the least...not even in the "Road T0....." Movies. Arrogant and greedy were his trademarks.
Some sort of "bring him back but pass the torch" thing would work best. Have Billy co-host with someone who seems to be young yet not a kid. Need someone who can take the Oscars into the next decade without making it "MTVesque." Someone Billy can "bond" with in a way. You may all hate me for saying this, but I'm thinking "Will Smith." He's transitioned to "respectable" when it comes to acting, he has some "street cred," and he's been away long enough to make him "missed." Also, Will has comedic timing and Billy is known for bringing out the best in people.
Billy Crystal doesn't look as marvelous as he used to, but he still does look marvelous.
Not too marvelous, you understand. I'm not that kind of guy.
Please, please, please, Billy, come back! You're the best!!