The Greatest Showman #931 - Opening Surprise

The audience erupted in thunderous applause. Billy Crystal had earned his place as a comedian worthy of hosting the Oscars nine times. His longstanding relationship with Hollywood, built on years of experience and charm, made this no small feat.

Among all the anticipated moments, Billy exited the stage, walked into the guest seats, and stood beside Ryan and Renly, much to everyone's surprise. It wasn't just Billy's unexpected move after the opening scene that caught everyone's attention, but also the simultaneous appearance of Ryan and Renly—two of the most talked-about rising stars of 2011. Often described as the "twin stars" of a new generation, some even compared them to "George Clooney and Brad Pitt." They were undoubtedly the center of attention tonight.

Billy took a moment, waiting for the crowd to calm down, and then with a wide grin, said, "I just think the folks at home want to see the faces of these two handsome guys." The audience burst into laughter, and both Renly and Ryan exchanged amused glances, unable to hold back their smiles.

"Sorry, Renly," Billy continued, his tone serious but playful, "I tried to cut you into the clip, but I've already kissed George, so I can't do it again. Please forgive me." This was Billy's way of teasing Renly about the absence of "Crazy Love" in the opening video, turning the focus back onto Renly in a cheeky manner.

The real reason for Renly's absence from the opening video was that he had been too busy over the past month to participate in the behind-the-scenes shoot.

In response to Billy's jibe, Renly raised his voice, attempting a witty comeback. Unfortunately, since Renly wasn't wearing a microphone, the organizers had deliberately withheld one to create an element of surprise. As a result, only those nearby could hear Renly's response. Immediately, applause and laughter erupted from the guests around him, including a hearty chuckle from Meryl Streep, who turned around to give Renly a thumbs-up.

Billy's eyes widened in surprise, not expecting Renly's sharp and humorous retort. While everyone knew Renly was eloquent, his quick wit at such an iconic event caught even the seasoned Billy off guard.

Without missing a beat, Billy retorted, "Hey, maybe we should invite Robert Pattinson. The 18 to 24-year-olds might like him more." This jab set off another round of laughter among the group around Renly.

Of course, the entire venue joined in on the laughter—Robert Pattinson, while popular with younger audiences, was known for his connection to "Twilight" and was not exactly a favorite of the Academy, despite his fame.

Still, without Renly's usual counterpoint, the scene felt incomplete.

Billy, however, was unphased. He returned to the stage, continuing with his hosting duties.

The guests, who were still buzzing with curiosity, whispered to each other: "What did Renly say?"

Billy, back on stage, grinned at the commotion. "Thank you, thank you very much," he said, looking at the crowd. "That applause was really 'extremely loud, very close.'" This was a playful reference to the Best Picture-nominated film Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, and it lightened the mood further. "Of course, my friends and family are watching at home tonight—'extra loud, very close,' that's how they watch."

Billy's subtle humor bridged the gap between film, theater, and the real world, getting a burst of laughter from the audience.

"This is my ninth time hosting the Oscars," Billy said, waiting for the applause.

Yet, at that moment, many were still whispering about Renly's remark. The applause was slower than expected, catching the TV organizers and event planners off guard.

Billy feigned confusion, "Nine times!" he emphasized, shaking his head. "This isn't the reaction I expected. Do I have to wait for my tenth time?" His playful tone sparked the audience into laughter.

"We're here at the 'Chapter 11' Theater," Billy continued with a smirk. The first sentence was met with a collective round of applause, whistles, and laughter. He was referencing the bankruptcy of Kodak, which had lost its naming rights to the theater after the company filed for bankruptcy just days before the ceremony. The theater, once named the Kodak Theater, was now being referred to as the "Hollywood Highland Center."

Billy continued with his signature wit, mixing political and social commentary: "We're part of a great industry. Movies are always an escape—whether it's to laugh, cry, question, reflect, or send a text," he quipped, causing the crowd to roar with laughter.

"So tonight, we're all together and having fun," Billy joked. "Because the cure for the world's economic pain is to watch a bunch of millionaires award each other shirtless statuettes."

The audience erupted in laughter once again. Then, Billy's performance transitioned into his Broadway-style musical interlude, humorously connecting all the Best Picture nominees, blending his comedic timing with genuine elegance.

Billy Crystal wasn't just the funniest host; he was the most fitting for the Oscars. His mix of irony, wit, and casual humor kept the event lighthearted while maintaining the elegant, mature tone expected from Hollywood's most prestigious night.

Each of the nine nominated films only had a brief 20 to 30-second segment, but Billy's fluid and graceful performance made the venue feel like a Broadway theater. After the clips finished, Billy joked, covering his chest dramatically, "Sorry, Ryan and Renly, but you'll have to try again next year."

His offhand humor turned into the evening's highlight, earning a round of applause from the entire crowd.

Billy concluded, "Nine, this is nine. It's going to be a great show tonight. And if you're wondering what Renly just said, stay tuned. Don't switch channels, don't fall asleep, and definitely don't miss the moments ahead."

He paused for effect, letting the suspense build, before delivering the punchline.

Jessica nudged Renly with a smile, saying, "God, everyone's asking—even Alexander Payne."

During Billy's antics, a small crowd around Renly became fixated on him, with curious questions flying. It was a playful whirlwind of attention, with Renly rolling his eyes helplessly.

Renly, slightly resigned, replied, "I have a bad feeling. Billy Crystal will keep making trouble for me."

Even Alexander Payne patted Renly's shoulder, asking seriously, "What did you say just now? I didn't catch it."

Turning to see Ryan's amused expression, Renly couldn't help but laugh. "So, do you want to know?" he asked.

Ryan waved his hands in denial, still chuckling.

Renly smirked. "Is it because you don't want to shave your head?"

This comment was a direct response to Billy's earlier joke about Renly's role in Crazy Love. Billy had teased Renly about a kissing scene with George, but Renly responded by joking about Billy's own hairline and the "shaved head" scene from his movie, referencing Billy's notorious thinning hair.

Renly's quick wit left Billy laughing, impressed by his humor.

Between laughs, Billy invited the first presenter, Tom Hanks, to present the first award of the evening: Best Cinematography.

And so, the awards ceremony began.