Hugh Jackman to host 81st Oscars

Hugh Jackman will host the 81st annual Oscars.

The 40-year-old Australian actor, recently named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive, won an Emmy in 2005 for hosting the 59th annual Tony Awards in 2004. He was also nominated as host of the Tonys in 2005.

Hugh, who first claimed fame as Wolverine in the X-Men movie franchise, recently starred in Baz Luhrmann's romantic adventure film Australia with Nicole Kidman.

With new producers, a new set director and even a new music director, the Academy has been hinting at an all new look and feel for this year's Oscars telecast on February 22.

Jackman's selection is a departure from the Academy's standard of big-name comedians. Jon Stewart, host of The Daily Show, hosted the ceremony in 2008 and 2006, while Ellen DeGeneres was the 2007 host.

Chris Rock, Steve Martin, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg have also hosted the show in recent years.