BILLY Crystal is returning to host the Oscars after a four-year layoff.

Crystal will emcee the first Oscar show ever held in February. Traditionally, the movies awards show is held in late March or early April.

But starting this year, it has been moved up to prevent competing awards shows – like the Golden Gloves which airs early in the year – from stealing too much thunder.

Crystal has been absent the last three years.

“When [Oscar producer] Joe [Roth], called, I didn’t hesitate,” Crystal said. “It was either this or run for governor.”

Steve Martin hosted the Oscars in 2001 and last year. Whoopi Goldberg hosted in 2002.