Hugh Jackman will host the 81st Academy Awards® telecast, producer Laurence Mark and executive producer Bill Condon announced today. This will be Jackman's first time center stage at the Oscar show, although he has previously been a presenter.
"Hugh Jackman is a consummate entertainer and an internationally renowned movie star," said Mark and Condon 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."
Jackman stars in the current release Australia, directed by Baz Luhrmann. He will next be seen in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, having portrayed the title character in the previous three smash-hit "X-Men" movies. His other film credits include The Prestige, Flushed Away, The Fountain, Happy Feet, Van Helsing, Kate & Leopold and Swordfish.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2008 will be presented on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center, and televised live on the ABC Television Network.
1 comment:
I've seen Hugh Jackman host the Tonys before and he was a funny, energetic, and entertaining host. He'll be a refreshing Oscar host, for sure.
Great surprise. I was actually expecting Jon Stewart again too, or even Jerry Seinfeld.
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