Veteran actor Billy Crystal has announced he is replacing Eddie Murphy as host of the 2012 Oscars. It will be his ninth time at the helm of Hollywood’s biggest night.

“Am doing the Oscars so the young woman in the pharmacy will stop asking my name when I pick up my prescriptions,” the 63-year-old Crystal tweeted.

“Very much looking forward to hosting the show.”

Eddie Murphy stepped down as host of the 84th Academy Awards yesterday in an unspoken display of solidarity with Brett Ratner, who resigned as producer.

The actor’s announcement came a day after Ratner, who directed him in Tower Heist, bowed out amid controversy over a gay slur he made the week prior.

According to insiders, Murphy essentially stepped aside to support Ratner, his friend, but was not pressured to and regretted having to give up the gig.

Brian Grazer replaced Ratner as producer. What do you think of the switch? Will the Oscars be better or worse off with mainstay Crystal back as the MC?

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