Sorry, Muppets Fans, Billy Crystal’s Hosting the Oscars

It happened very quickly, but despite a wave of internet support for a number of candidates (though we admit to being biased in one particular direction) but the Academy has, predictably, gone with a reliable and experienced back up host, even if it’s not a particularly exciting one, in Billy Crystal.

Crystal tweeted last night:

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

And now, a bunch of stuff that will feed Muppet-loving conspiracy theorists:

Crystal’s connections with the Muppets include:

• Two appearances on Sesame Street. (As his SNL character Ricky, and later here with Martin Short.)
• A guest starring role on Muppets Tonight.
• He is also slated for a cameo appearance in The Muppets.

Also, according to Businessweek, Disney Chief Executive (and so the eventual boss of both ABC, Oscar broadcaster and Muppet Studios) Robert Iger would not rule out an appearance by the Muppets.

Still not sure if a possible appearance would be enough to get me to watch the show.

(via Deadline.)