Crystal: Ninth time

Los Angeles, Nov. 11 (Reuters): Oscar organisers yesterday brought back funnyman Billy Crystal to host the film awards after recent days of turmoil that led to the departure of one producer and his handpicked emcee Eddie Murphy.

Crystal, who has hosted the widely-watched Hollywood telecast eight times previously, announced his new job on Twitter with a post: “Am doing the Oscars so the young woman in the pharmacy will stop asking my name when I pick up prescriptions. Looking forward to the show.”

The announcement follows days of drama at the academy after producer Brett Ratner last week used the gay slur “fags” at a screening of his movie Tower Heist, which stars Murphy. His use of the word raised howls from gay rights groups and academy members.