Wacky actress WHOOPI GOLDBERG is to set the Oscards alight for the fourth time. Producers of the Acadamy Awards have booked the Sister Act (1992) star for her fourth stint as host of the star-studded gala, scheduled for 24 March (02), according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Telecast producer Laura Ziskin says, "I'm thrilled to have Whoopi Goldberg as the host for this year's Academy Awards show. "Whoopi has great warmth, wit, humour, humanity and a social conscience, all qualities that I feel are essential for this year's show. "

This year the telecast will come from the new home of the Oscars, LA's Kodak Theatre. "I love a housewarming," says Goldberg, adding that this year's ceremony is important because it shows that despite 11 September (2001) "we as filmmakers, actors and technicians worldwide will continue to do what we do best and celebrate it". Goldberg last hosted the show in 1998. STEVE MARTIN did the honours last year (MAR01). (HB/WNWCAAP&JM/NFA)

Source: WENN