Hugh Jackman To Host 2009 Oscars

Hugh Jackman will host the 2009 Oscars, Access Hollywood has confirmed.

The “Australia” star, who was recently selected as “Sexiest Man Alive,” by People magazine will emcee the event on February 22, 2009.

“Hugh Jackman is a consummate entertainer and an internationally renowned movie star,” Telecast Producer Laurence Mark and Executive Producer Bill 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.”

This will be Jackman’s first time as Oscar host. He previously hosted the Tony Awards in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Jackman has yet to receive an Oscar nomination, however, he was nominated for a Golden Globe in 2001, when he starred opposite Meg Ryan in “Kate & Leopold.”

The 2008 Oscar ceremonies, which came just weeks after the writer’s strike ended, was helmed by comedian Jon Stewart.