Yummy yummy. Hugh Jackman, People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive (2008), has just been announced as the host of the 2009 Academy Awards. It’s a surprisingly good choice, Hugh has always seemed like an old-fashioned song-and-dance entertainer in the vein of all-time-great Oscar host Bob Hope.

Hugh Jackman will host the 81st annual Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed Friday.

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.

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 2006’s “The Prestige” and 2004’s “Van Helsing.”

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 Feb. 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; Ellen DeGeneres was the 2007 host.

[From breitbart.com]

I really liked both Ellen and Jon Stewart as hosts, but the ratings sucked for them, so I guess I was relatively alone. In the past decade, just recalling from the top of my head, I believe the best-rated Oscar ceremonies were hosted by Billy Crystal. Let’s put our hands together that The Sexiest Man Alive delivers big-time come Oscar night. And then after that, maybe we can work on getting Ryan “I’m a douchebag” Seacrest fired from the E! pre-show.

Hugh Jackman is shown on 12/10/08 and 12/11/08. Credit: WENN