MUMBAI: Bill Crystal, who had previously hosted the Oscar ceremony eight times is all set to return to host the show for the first time since 2004.He replaces Eddie Murphy.

Murphy had announced that he was leaving the production yesterday following producer Brett Ratner, who also announced that he was quitting as producer of the show after he made a number of ill-judged comments, including a gay slur.

Speaking about Murphy‘s departure, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Tom Sherak said, "I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well."

Earlier today A Beautiful Mind director Brian Grazer was named as the new producer for the 2012 show.