MORE UPDATES, SATURDAY: I've confirmed that Billy Crystal, without doubt the most popular Oscar host in recent years, will be making a "surprise" appearance at the 83rd Academy Awards on Sunday night. About two-thirds of the way into the telecast, the comedian is scheduled to perform a monologue about the movie industry. His stand-up is so secret that it was listed only as "Guest Host" on the official show rundown I obtained and posted Friday. But then Billy was ushered in and out of Friday's rehearsal without even the other showbiz stars knowing he was at the Kodak Theatre. Given what a snorefest so much of this year's Oscar show looks to be, Crystal's appearance will be something that TV viewers will surely welcome ... I've also learned that the so-called "Cold Opening" of the show, as scheduled, features a filmed bit involving actor Alec Baldwin who was last year's Academy Awards co-host with Steve Martin. The shtick is that Baldwin wants to host again this year and is imagining what it would be like -- but then discovers that James Franco and Anne Hathaway were chosen to host instead of him ... Towards the end of the show, again as scheduled, there'll be a brief Back To The Future segment starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd from the 1985 film ... And venerable actor/producer Kirk Douglas will present the Best Supporting Actress Oscar ... Again, let me emphasize that last-minute changes can always occur.
Might be interesting this year!
Posted by: BOB KARM | February 27, 2011 at 10:02 AM
I may watch just to see Billy Crystal. He'll be the star of the show! Should have had him host.
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Posted by: Stevie | February 27, 2011 at 02:42 PM
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Posted by: Mr. Stump | February 27, 2011 at 04:25 PM