The search is over. Whoopi Goldberg will replace Billy Crystal as host of the Academy Awards.

"Whoopi Goldberg has all the qualities of a great Oscar host," said show producer Gilbert Cates. "She is a major movie star with millions of fans, and she is also one of the funniest, most talented performers working today."Crystal turned down an invitation to emcee the show for a fifth year, saying he wanted a break.

"I'm thrilled about my date with Oscar," Goldberg said Sunday. "To go from watching to winning to hosting in one lifetime is major."

Goldberg won an Oscar for best supporting actress in 1991 for her role as a phony medium in "Ghost."

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The 66th annual Academy Awards will be held March 21.

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