Going a rather obvious and not entirely unwelcome direction, the Academy has announced that Crystal, who had previously been mentioned as a participant in this year's festivities, is going to take on full duties as host of the Oscars. This will be his first appearance in 7 years (he last hosted the 76th Academy Awards). This will be his ninth outing as host besting Johnny Carson's five hosting gigs, but far below Bob Hope's 18 gigs (only 11 of those jobs were solo, so Crystal could technically be within striking distance of that record if he keeps at it).