(The Academy Awards)

BILLY IS BACK

After a surprise resignation by comedian Eddie Murphy, Billy Crystal took over as the 84th Annual Academy Award’s host.

Crystal shouldn’t be too nervous, since the legendary comedian has already hosted the awards show nine times.

Crystal’s last time hosting the show was back in 2004.

“Some of the best moments of my career have happened on the Oscar stage. I am thrilled to be back there. Actually, I am doing this so that the young woman in my pharmacy will stop asking me my name when I pick up my prescriptions,” said Crystal.

Even if his hosting gig doesn’t work out, the Academy Awards have already released a slew of stars that will be present aSunday’s show.

Celebrities like Ben Stiller, Meryl Streep and Christian Bale are slated to present during the awards ceremony.

Even though his journey to the Oscars stage may not have been ideal, audiences across the nation are eagerly awaiting Crystal’s return at the 84th Annual Academy Awards.

THE SILENT STAR AND ITS QUIET COMPETITION

No one expected “The Artist” to be the critical darling it has become, but after a surprise screening at Cannes, the French silent film has stolen audiences hearts from across the globe.

Come Sunday, “The Artist” is the clear front-runner for Best Picture.

In a year full of flicks from directors like Stephen Spielberg and Martin Scorcese, “The Artist” is this year’s surprise hit.

Even though movies like “The Help” and “Hugo” have given a strong push near the awards season’s end, “The Artist” has weathered every storm.

So, how has a black and white French silent film became the Best Picture front-runner?

For starters, “The Artist” was released at the perfect time.

Look at “Moneyball” for instance. The Brad Pitt starring film is also nominated for Best Picture, but due to its early release date, the baseball drama really has no chance to win the category.

What really propels “The Artist?” The movie’s originality.

In a way, “The Artist” is a love letter to cinema’s early years. However, with such an innovative director as Michel Hazanvicius, “The Artist” comes off as fresh and light.

While there is still a small (almost inexistent) chance that another film will walk away with the night’s biggest trophy, it look as if “The Artist” has the award in the bag.

Will there be any love for the movie’s cast? Maybe.

The only acting trophy “The Artist” can contend in is Best Actor, which the film’s star Jean Dujardin is squaring off against Hollywood heavy weight George Clooney.

For a silent film, “The Artist” is certainly making a lot of noise.

JUST GIVE IT TO THEM ALREADY!  

There is no stopping the momentum of Octavia Spencer and Christopher Plummre. The two actors have picked up virtually every piece of hardware since the Golden Globes.

Spencer is a shoe-in for the Best Supporting Actress category, while Plummer will win the night’s Best Supporting Actor trophy.

With the sweep of the award season already behind them, Plummer and Spencer have made some of the season’s best (and most humbling) acceptance speeches.

If the two actors win come Sunday night, expect some headline making speeches.

HOLLYWOOD: HEAD TO HEAD

MERYL VS. VIOLA

Meryl Streep may win the overall Oscar nomination count, but it seems as if Viola Davis’ role in “The Help” will pick up the Best Actress trophy this year. Davis previously got a nomination for her role in “Doubt.” Ironically, Mery and Viola were co-stars in the film.

SCORSESE VS. NEWBIE

Even though Scorcese’s “Hugo” is the most-nominated movie of the night, “The Artist’s” Michel Hazanavicius has gained enough steam to pick up the Oscar for Best Director. However, whenever it comes to direction, one can never count Scorsese out.

CLOONEY VS. DUJARDIN

At the beginning fo the awards seasaon, the momentum was all in George Clooney’s favor. The American actor’s role in “the Descendants” lit up the festival circuit. However, as the end of the awards season approaches Jean Dujardin from “The Artist” seems to have the upperhand. Who will win on Sunday? No one really knows.

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