by Michael Lyons
"Is that for me, or are you just glad I'm not Snow White?" That is what Billy Crystal quipped when he came out on stage to applause for his first Oscar-hosting gig 35 years ago.
Crystal came in as host after what many consider one of the worst and most embarrassing moments in Oscar Award show history in 1989 when a big, musical number extravaganza kicked off the show, headlined by Rob Lowe and Snow White.
While it may be tough to pick a favorite host of the Academy Awards, and each brings their style and flair - can't wait to see Conan O'Brien's offbeat humor on the Oscar stage - Billy Crystal stands out as a host who was part of many iconic moments.
In honor of the 35th anniversary of Crystal's first of nine appearances as an Oscar host, here are some of the highlights through the years.
In his first year in 1990, Crystal poked fun at the Oscar show itself right out of the gate by creating a medley of the five nominated films to the tune of other songs, sending up the big, flashy opening numbers (like the one from the year before).
We were treated to "Me and My Left Foot," to the tune of "Me and My Shadow," and Born on the Fourth of July to "Born in the USA." This musical opening would become a tradition through the years, with such hysterical songs as Unforgiven to the tune of "Unforgettable" and Titanic in the guise of the Gilligan's Island theme.
Crystal also found memorable ways to enter the stage and start the show - in 1991, he rode out on a horse in a parody of Dances With Wolves. In '92, he was rolled out as Hannibal Lecter and went out to Anthony Hopkins in the audience, with the Lecter face mask on, to let the actor know he was "having some members of the Academy over for dinner."
The comedian's ability to think on his feet was always on full display. When Crystal introduced legendary silent filmmaker Hal Roach for his 100th birthday, Roach stood up to a standing ovation and made an impromptu speech without a microphone. No one could hear a word he said, and all one could see was Mr. Roach mouthing words.
When the camera came back to Crystal, he noted how perfect that was as Mr. Roach started in silent films.
Then, there was the famous year that Jack Palance, winning supporting actor for Crystal's film City Slickers, decided to do a one-arm push-up during his acceptance speech. Crystal made this a recurring joke throughout that year's show, at one point saying, "Jack Palance just bungee jumped off the Hollywood sign!" It continued the following year as Crystal entered the stage riding on a giant Oscar statue, being pulled by Palance.
Crystal also had great interactions with the actors and actresses in attendance, particularly Jack Nicholson, during his years sitting in the front row sporting sunglasses. One year, Crystal noted that how Nicholson looked at him made him feel like a Lakers girl.
In later years, Crystal would have a camera capture different stars in the audience and would pretend to "read their minds." Best of all, the actors had no idea it was happening. While the camera was on Dame Judi Dench, Crystal noted, "God, this thong is killing me!"
Another year, Crystal kicked off the awards presentation by saying, “Nothing can take the sting off the world's economic problems like watching millionaires present each other golden statues."
Billy Crystal definitely knew his audience - in the auditorium and at home. His shows were always pure Oscar gold!
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