Old hand Crystal to host Oscars after Murphy drops out
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Comedian Billy Crystal put the Oscars ceremony back on track yesterday when he agreed to host next year's show instead of Eddie Murphy, who quit the role this week.
"Am doing the Oscars so the young woman in the pharmacy will stop asking my name when I pick up my prescriptions," the When Harry Met Sally star joked on Twitter yesterday.
Murphy bowed out on Wednesday in support of director Brett Ratner, who was forced to resign as the Oscars producer after controversy over his use of the term "fag" at the launch of his latest film, Tower Heist, which stars Murphy.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Billy back," Tom Sherak, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, said. "He's a comic legend and Oscar icon, and it feels good to have him back where he belongs."
The 84th Academy Awards ceremony, due to be broadcast next February, will be Crystal's ninth turn as presenter. Most Hollywood commentators expressed their support for Crystal's return to the post after a seven-year absence, though some said the appointment was an example of Hollywood relying on established favourites to boost ratings (audience figures for the ceremony fell by 9.1 per cent last year) instead of taking risks on new talent.
However, this time Crystal has a co-host – Kermit the Frog, who stars in the new Muppets film released next year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments