(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Billy Crystal is "looking forward" to hosting the 84th Academy Awards.

The actor is replacing Eddie Murphy at the ceremony. He has beaten off competition from The Muppets and Ricky Gervais, who were all linked to the role.

Rather than scheduling an official announcement the 68-year-old took to Twitter to discuss his new job.

"Am doing the Oscars so the young woman in the pharmacy will stop asking my name when I pick up my prescriptions," he joked. "Looking forward to the show."

Oscars producer Brett Ratner stepped down from his post on Tuesday, after making inappropriate comments at a press conference. Eddie followed suit on Wednesday. Brian Grazer has signed on to take over from Brett.

Billy is undeniably a safe choice for the Academy as he has already successfully hosted the event eight times.

The job has become known as one of the trickier ones in Hollywood. Last year James Franco and Anne Hathaway were blasted for their efforts.

Previous hosts have included a wide range of both actors and comedians including Ellen DeGeneres, Hugh Jackman, Whoopi Goldberg and Bob Hope. (C) Cover Media