AWARDS UPDATE

Crystallized: Billy Crystal is keeping his grip on Oscar. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Wednesday that Crystal will host the 62nd Academy Awards telecast March 25 from the Shrine Auditorium. Oscar spokesman Gilbert Cates said that Crystal was chosen as host because of the “wide critical praise” he got for the last time he hosted the black-tie gala. Crystal called it a “great honor” and vowed “to bring the show in under nine hours.”