Hugh Jackman To Host Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that 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 2004's 59th annual Tony Awards. He was also nominated in 2006 as host of 2005's Tonys.

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

His publicist says he's out of the country today for a world promotional tour for "Australia" and is not immediately available for comment.

He's never been an Oscar nominee, but was nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in 2001's romantic film "Kate & Leopold." His other movie credits include "The Prestige" and "Van Helsing."