STAGE TUBE: Billy Crystal, Robin Williams Star in 2012 Oscar Trailer

A short trailer for the 2012 Oscars has been released. The video, entitled 'Off the Grid' stars Oscar host Billy Crystal and features cameo appearances by Megan Fox, Robin Williams, William Fichtner, Josh Duhamel and Vinnie Jones. The film makes light of the recent search for a new host after comedian Eddie Murphy quit his hosting duties last November amidst a controversey involving the show's original director, Brett Ratner. the short film jokingly follows the celebrities as they lead a quest for Crystal, hoping that when they find him, he will agree to return as host of the show. 

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the clip was created by the Academy and Funny or Die and will be played for the next month in over 2,000 movie theaters across the country. Said Academy Chief Marketing Officer Christina Kounelias, "We wanted to try something a little bit different this year instead of a traditional, clip-based piece. The trailer has a fun twist that conveys how excited everyone is to have Billy back."

Crystal hosted the Academy Awards broadcast in 1990-1993, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2004; and he reportedly turned down hosting the 2006 ceremony to concentrate on his one-man show, 700 Sundays. His eight times as the M.C. is second only to Bob Hope's 18 in most ceremonies hosted.

Crystal won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event for 700 Sundays, a two-act, one-man play, which he conceived and wrote about his parents.

The 84th Annual Academy Awards will air on the ABC Network on February 26th.

To view the trailer for the 84th Oscars, click below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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