"I'm here to get you the 18-24 year-old demographic," so said Justin Bieber to Billy Crystal during an opening segment that saw the nine-time Oscar host insert himself in Best Picture nominees "Hugo," "The Artist," "Midnight In Paris" and "Moneyball," as well as blockbusters like "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol."
For the "Midnight in Paris" segment, Crystal donned black face to play Sammy Davis, Jr. -- an impersonation he made famous during the 1980s.
"That was extremely loud and incredibly close," Crystal quipped following the pre-taped segment. "That's how my relatives are watching the show."
He later added, "Tonight, enjoy yourselves, because nothing can take the sting out of the world's economic problems like watching millionaires present each other with golden statues."
Crystal went on to parody the nine nominees with songs, including "That's Amore" for Best Picture nominee "Hugo."
Later in the broadcast, Crystal mocked the GOP candidates while introducing presenter Christian Bale. You can watch a clip of the performance below.
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"I'm here to get you the 18-24 year-old demographic," so said Justin Bieber to Billy Crystal during an opening segment that saw the nine-time Oscar host insert himself in Best Picture nominees "Hugo,"...
"I'm here to get you the 18-24 year-old demographic," so said Justin Bieber to Billy Crystal during an opening segment that saw the nine-time Oscar host insert himself in Best Picture nominees "Hugo,"...
I am pushing 70 and I could not stand Crystal as the host. His jokes were offensive but not in an edgy or funny way. The whole show was badly produced.
arnieheff: I am pushing 70 and I could not stand Crystal
He was SO much better than anyone who has hosted the Oscars since--well-since the last time he hosted!!! And please,please eliminate the supposedly humorous "banter" between presenters. The only presenter who was funny was Chris Rock. I'd like to see him brought back again as a host.
suedora: He was SO much better than anyone who has hosted
Are you kidding? Crystal was horrible! He reminded of some sleazy lounge act performing in some run-down dump. The whole Oscar show was ruined by weird choices that the producers made. I am pushing 70 and I would say this was the worst Oscar show in 25 years. Bring back Ellen or invite Jimmy Kimmel to host, Academ! Your show was gawd awfulk with some really racially offensive jokes.
arnieheff: Are you kidding? Crystal was horrible! He reminded of some
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First Posted: 02/27/2012 12:56 am Updated: 02/27/2012 12:56 am