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Billy Crystal To Host 2012 Oscars

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Billy Crystal will replace Eddie Murphy as the host of the 2012 Academy Awards.

Crystal tweeted Thursday, "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."

Chevy Chase - 1986-87
(PHOTOS: Oscar Hosts)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences later confirmed that the eight-time Oscar host will be the new face of the awards.

The announcement comes one day after Eddie Murphy exited as host of the show following the resignation of Brett Ratner as producer.

Ratner came under fire after he used a gay slur Friday at a Los Angeles screening of his film, "Tower Heist" in which Murphy also stars.

"I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I'm sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job," Murphy said Wednesday in a statement.

Academy Award winner Brian Grazer was named producer Wednesday night.

"Brian Grazer is a renowned filmmaker who over the past 25 years has produced a diverse and extraordinary body of work," said Academy President Tom Sherak. "He will certainly bring his tremendous talent, creativity and relationships to the Oscars®."

Don Mischer will also produce the awards show.

PHOTOS: Oscar Hosts

"I am thrilled to welcome Brian Grazer as my partner and that we will be collaborating to produce an outstanding show," Mischer said.

"It's very gratifying to be part of a show that honors excellence in the medium to which I have devoted so much of my career," said Grazer. "Don is a legend, and I am excited to work with him."

The 84th Academy Awards will be broadcast live from the Kodak Theatre on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012 on ABC.

Visit the Oscars section at CBS Local.

RELATED STORIES:

» Eddie Murphy Exits As Host Of 2012 Oscars

» Director Brett Ratner Resigns As Oscars Producer After Using Homophobic Slur

» Brian Grazer To Produce Oscars With Don Mischer

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