If you’re a fan of Billy Crystal, the stars aligned perfectly this week. Crystal is back as host of the Oscars for a ninth time. The Long Beach, New York native, was moved to head of the emcee line after several dominos fell.

First, new Oscars producer Brett Ratner was forced to resign after outrage from a gay slur. Ratner was instrumental in securing Eddie Murphy as host for the 2012 awards. Murphy is currently starring in the Ratner-directed comedy Tower Heist.

However, with Ratner out, Murphy withdrew Wednesday.

Academy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer, a longtime collaborator with Ron Howard replaced Ratner.

That set the stage for Crystal to extend his second-most hosting duties at the Oscars. Crystal, famous for his opening musical number parodying that year’s best picture nominees, previously hosted 1990 to 1993, 1997 and 1998, 2000, and 2004. (An example of Crystal’s work is shown below) 

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