Billy Crystal as Oscars host: What did you think?

(CBS) Was nine times a charm for Billy Crystal?

The veteran host kicked off the Academy Awards with a video montage that found him getting kissed by George Clooney. Crystal was then seen interacting in scenes from some of 2011's biggest films, including "Bridesmaids," "The Help" and "Moneyball."

In the pre-taped segment that spoofed a scene from "Midnight in Paris," Crystal had a long conversation with Justin Bieber, who said he was trying to help the Academy attract younger viewers in the 18-24 demographic.

As soon as Crystal hit the stage, the jokes started rolling.

"We're here at the beautiful Chapter 11 theater," he said, referring to the former Kodak theater, now called the Hollywood & Highland Center as a result of the camera company's recent bankruptcy troubles.

"You didn't think I wasn't going to do this," he said before launching into a signature song number about the best picture nominees. His opening song seemed to get smiles and quite a bit of applause from the audience members.

The jokes continued throughout the night, and some of them received a mixed reaction based on a scan of tweets.

"After I saw 'The Help' I just wanted to hug the first black woman I saw, which from Beverly Hills is about a 45 minute drive," Cystal said.

The 63-year-old host also poked fun at the age of actors Christopher Plummer, 82, and Max von Sydow, who's also 82 years old.

Crystal signed on as host in November after Eddie Murphy stepped down. Murphy's move came after Brett Ratner resigned as producer amid a fallout over an anti-gay slur.

It has been eight years since we last saw Crystal host the Academy Awards ceremony.

Tell us: What did you think about Crystal's opening set?