Oscars Veteran Billy Crystal Confirmed As Host

Billy Crystal has announced that he will be hosting the 2012 Oscar ceremony for the ninth time.

The veteran comedian, who has hosted the event on eight previous occassions, replaces Eddie Murphy, who bowed out following the forced resignation of original producer Brett Ratner.

Crystal tweeted: "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."

Confirming the news, Tom Sherak, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president said in a statement: "I'm thrilled to welcome Billy back to the Oscar stage. He's a comic legend and Oscar icon, and it feels good to have him back where he belongs."

Brian Grazer, who has replaced Ratner, added: "Like so many others, I've been eager to see Billy host again. It's very gratifying that he agreed to do it with Don [Mischer] and me at the helm."

This comes following Ricky Gervais's public announcement that he was interested in the job.

The 2012 Oscars takes place in Los Angeles on February 26, 2012.

Looking back at the 2011 Oscars...