When you’re in trouble, don’t call Batman, call Billy Crystal. Especially if you’re in need of a host of the Oscars. In fact, specifically if you’re in need of a last minute host for any awards ceremony.
That’s because Billy Crystal is pretty much unable to do anything other than be a vaguely charming awards presenter these days.
So good thing Eddie Murphy quit the job after some gay slurs made everyone quit the gig, right?
Oscar organizers got Billy back AGAIN to host the film awards after the departure of one producer and his handpicked master of ceremonies Eddie Murphy.
See, what happened was that producer Brett Ratner used the gay slur “fags” at a screening of his movie Tower Heist, which stars Murphy.
Naturally, gay rights groups went nutso and Ratner ended up losing his job. He probably muttered something far worse than ‘fags’ under his breath when the shitstorm failed to dissipate.
Of course, during all this brouhaha, Crystal’s spidy-sense went off and he spent three whole days sat besides his telephone, answering with “Good day, Billy ‘does a great Oscar ceremony’ Crystal speaking!” to absolutely everyone who called him.
Eventually, it came good and he announced the gig – which he’s done eight times previously – on twitter:
“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.”
It almost seems like Billy Crystal is becoming the new Bob Hope, in as much that he’s famous for simply existing rather than doing any proper work.
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