The 84th Annual Academy Awards

Specials

Specials

Funnyman and Oscar favorite Billy Crystal returns to host the annual gala for the ninth time, the first time since 2004. So why is he returning after an eight-year absence? Crystal quipped, "I am doing this so that the young woman in my pharmacy will stop asking me my name when I pick up my prescriptions." To date, only Bob Hope has hosted the event more often, but his 19 hosting gigs will be hard for Crystal to reach. The ceremony, honoring outstanding achievements in film, takes place at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. Veteran film and TV producer Brian Grazer joins Don Mischer in producing the 84th annual ceremony with composer Hans Zimmer and songwriter Pharrell Williams serving as music consultants.