Australian actor Hugh Jackman will host the 81st Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, 22 February, 2009.
Announcing Jackman as host, Oscars producer Laurence Mark and executive producer Bill Condon said in a statement: "Hugh Jackman is a consummate entertainer and an internationally renowned movie star. 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 was previously an awards presenter at the Oscars.
His new film, 'Australia', opens in Irish cinemas on Friday 26 December.
