Few, if any, celebrities can hold a candle to Billy Crystal when it comes to hosting the Oscars — but the motion picture academy won’t give up the arduous search. A published report today confirms that Hugh Jackman will take over the hosting duties Feb. 22. The Australian actor will certainly mark a departure for the ceremony; the star of Australia, who’s also famous for playing Wolverine, is not a comic. He is, however, comfortable holding the mike center stage: The singing and dancing Jackman has hosted the Tonys three times (pictured hosting in 2005) and received glowing reviews. In fact, a source close to the Broadway kudofest called him “sexy, funny, smart, and talented. Unbelievably collaborative. It wasn’t about him. It was about the show.”
Hosting the Oscars is, quite possibly, the hardest job in Hollywood. Critics are typically unforgiving, and the actors — especially the nominated ones sitting in the Kodak Theater — have little patience for a host who stalls their much-hoped-for march to the stage to retrieve the gold. That’s why it helps if the host really wants and likes to emcee — which is Jackman’s reputation — and is not preoccupied by the P.R. gains such a gig could achieve for their career. What’s more, going with a straight-up charmer like Jackman versus a comedian like Jon Stewart could be a savvy choice in this political climate; with Bush out of office, there’s no one to make fun of at the Oscars, anyway.
More Hugh Jackman and Oscars:
Oscars 2009: EW’s complete coverage
Dave Karger’s Oscar Watch blog
Hugh Jackman: People’s sexiest man alive
Four reasons to love Australia
OhmyGod YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. He was my #1 pick to host, he does such a great job at the Tonys. He’d better do another amazing song/dance number at the Oscars too.
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I would rather see Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert.
What the…? Totally did not see this coming, haven’t really decided if it’ll be good or not. But one thing’s for sure, its gonna be different, which may be what the Academy is looking for since the viewership has been so low the past couple years.
Great choice.
Smart move! Hugh Jackman is the most charming man in Hollywood. It should be a good show.
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It’s a good departure, because it gives the comedians a few years to “recover” and actually feel like they’re not competing with the last comedian to host. And quite frankly, very few of the actors in Hollywood could pull this off without seeming egotistical.
I like this selection, even if it’s just to look at him and listen to his accent. I love Hugh!
This (finally!) non-political choice makes me almost want to watch the show for the first time in years. But… nah.
I think it’s a really smart choice. He can be very funny too
I was hoping for Ricky Gervais, but Hugh is not a bad option. He’ll be polite and charming and noncontroversial.
Interesting, never seen his tony hosting gigs. If he sings a bit and smiles, should be decent enough. On another note, although Jon Stewart hasn’t been very good, I think Stephen Colbert in character hosting the Oscars would be hilarious. Or maybe thats a more Golden Globes thing. Kind of look at everyone with a stern eye. Hehehe
he was great when he hosted the Tony’s a few years back…i definitely will tune in to see this