Hugh Jackman to Host 2009 Oscars
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman, recently named People's Sexiest Man Alive, has a new title: Oscar host.
The Australia star has been tapped to host the 81st annual Academy Awards ceremony, to take place Feb. 22, producer Laurence Mark and executive producer Bill Condon announced Friday.
"Hugh Jackman is a consummate entertainer and an internationally renowned movie star," Mark and Condon said in a joint statement. "He also has style, elegance and a sense of occasion. Hugh is the ideal choice to host a celebration of the year's movies — and to have fun doing it."
It will be the actor's first time emceeing the star-studded extravaganza, but he's no hosting rookie. Jackman's thrice hosted the Tony Awards, from 2003-05, and has an Emmy to show for it.
Jackman, a Tony winner, is a departure from the usual hosting suspects: comedians. Jon Stewart hosted the 2008 ceremony (his second time), and other recent hosts include Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock, Steve Martin and the very frequent Billy Crystal. However, with new producers, a new set director and a new music director behind next year's show, it may be time for more singing and dancing, and less joking and ribbing.
What do you think of the Academy's choice? Will Hugh bring the goods? Who would you pick to host?