Billy Crystal recently made comments on the Oscars when he appeared on ‘Back on the Record with Bob Costas‘ to promote his return to Broadway with “Mr. Saturday Night” and was asked by Costas about the incident at the 94th Academy Awards between Will Smith and Chris Rock. To which Crystal responded by saying what Smith did, by slapping Rock, was assault. Crystal claims there is no way to excuse it. He goes on to discuss his past experience hosting “The Oscars.”

Crystal hosted the televised award show nine times in its history. He is second to Bob Hope, who hosted 19 times. Chris Rock hosted two shows in its history. Crystal talks about what comes with hosting, and what’s to be expected and accepted in terms of heckling responses back. He uses his experience hosting ‘The Grammy’s‘, which he did in 1987 and two more shows the following years. Billy talks about having things thrown at him, and how you just have to keep your composure during your time.

No where in the interview does he ever give excuses for what Smith did. Billy Crystal keeps his comments on the Oscars short and sweet. He discusses the issue and moves on to discussing the behind-the-scenes production run down for the days leading up to the show. How he would prepare with the shows producer for the days leading up to the show and try to anticipate everything and nothing that could happen during the show.

That Being Said…

With the recent Bob Costas interview, and the events of the 2022 Oscars, I’ve decided to take a look at the hosts in Oscar’s long history. Most specifically. Billy Crystal. I will also discuss the past shows he hosted with some video memories. We will look at Billy’s first show in 1990 and presumably, his last show in 2012. I will look at the incident that may have cost him the hosting gig, if it wasn’t simply about a change of the guard and the younger, the better.