* JACKMAN NAMED OSCAR HOST

* JACKMAN NAMED OSCAR HOST Australian actor Hugh Jackman has been named host of 2009's 81st Annual Academy Awards. The 40-year-old star - named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive last month (Nov08) - was given the honour by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday (12Dec08). Jackman, who has never been an Oscar nominee, won a prize at the 2005 Emmys for hosting the Tony Awards the same year (05). The X-Men star follows in the footsteps of a line of A-list comedians who've hosted the show, including: Jon Stewart in 2008 and 2006, Ellen DeGeneres in 2007, Chris Rock, Steve Martin, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg. The Oscar awards ceremony takes place on 22 February (09) in Los Angeles. (JMA/WNWA/LR) Hugh Jackman German photocall for "Australia"
Berlin, Germany - 12.12.08
Credit: WENN.com