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Hugh Jackman will Host the Oscars

Posted by Susan Thea Posnock On December - 12 - 2008

AMPAS reports!

Beverly Hills, CA –– Hugh Jackman will host the 81st Academy Awards® telecast, producer Laurence Mark and executive producer Bill Condon announced today.  This will be Jackman’s first time center stage at the Oscar show, although he has previously been a presenter.

“Hugh Jackman is a consummate entertainer and an internationally renowned movie star,” said Mark and Condon in a joint statement.  “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.”

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    No Response for "Hugh Jackman will Host the Oscars"

    1. k December 12th, 2008 at 1:45 pm 1

      Interesting.

    2. Michael Greenwaldt December 12th, 2008 at 1:46 pm 2

      I like him, so that’s cool.

    3. KKR December 12th, 2008 at 1:49 pm 3

      Very inspired choice! He was sensational who he hosted the Tonys. I really can’t wait!

    4. kholby December 12th, 2008 at 1:50 pm 4

      Excellent! It will most definitely be a classy show this year.

    5. Ryan December 12th, 2008 at 1:50 pm 5

      Love it.

    6. Sertan December 12th, 2008 at 1:50 pm 6

      I liked him when he hosted Tony’s. I dont think he can be worse than some recent hosts. At least he has that handsome face to look at, if nothing else!!!

    7. SaltireFlower December 12th, 2008 at 1:54 pm 7

      I like this choice.

    8. Nick December 12th, 2008 at 1:59 pm 8

      I didn’t see that one coming. I think it will be good, but I wish they’d bring Billy Crystal back before he’s too old.

    9. Wayne Bell December 12th, 2008 at 2:01 pm 9

      This will probably be debated in the press, but he did win an Emmy for hosting the Tonys…and he was very good. I actually think it makes alot of sense…I just didnt think of it. Smart choice!

    10. long time listener December 12th, 2008 at 2:03 pm 10

      He was a natural choice for the Tonys, but for the Oscars? That’s a much bigger stage. From Nikki Finke’s postings, it seems like Jackman’s people are a little skittish about him singing and dancing (they do have his Wolverine film coming out soon).

      He’s a nice, charming guy and I hope this works out, but it’ll be interesting to see what they actually do with him.

    11. Zach December 12th, 2008 at 2:04 pm 11

      Good, I’m very glad! Wasn’t a big year for musicals, though. Will he sing an ABBA medley? Or better yet step in for Clint Eastwood and Miley Cyrus/John Travolta.

      It hasn’t been a particularly great year for Australian actors, though when Ledger wins Jackman can have something to say.

    12. Gentle Benj December 12th, 2008 at 2:08 pm 12

      I’m disappointed it’s not Bruno but this should be good. It’s encouraging that they seem to be rethinking the formula for the show; a change would do us all good.

      Now that we’ve got a host, my mind is already turning to movie-appropriate Oscar party grub. We’re still weeks away from knowing the nominees, but still.

      WALL-E will be at the show for certain, if only in the Animated Feature category, so let’s concoct some recipes for food-flavored shakes. And this year, everyone drinks their OWN damn milkshake.

      And Twinkies! The Twinkie wasn’t deep-fried in the movie, but we can do it for the party, it’s allowed. And sinfully delicious.

      ETA: And assuming Rachel Getting Married gets at least the nod for Anne Hathaway, we can serve sparkling water in champagne flutes.

      I haven’t seen any of the late-year big-name contenders, so I’m working with what I have seen. Help me out!

    13. Yvette December 12th, 2008 at 2:09 pm 13

      I would have rather seen Ricky Gervais.

    14. Student of World December 12th, 2008 at 2:11 pm 14

      Huh?

    15. Paddy M December 12th, 2008 at 2:15 pm 15

      Oh Gentle Benj, I’ll never be happy about Hugh hosting the Oscars, nor any other presenter, until I’ve seen Bruno doing it…

    16. murtada December 12th, 2008 at 2:16 pm 16

      Hugh got his break doing “oklahoma”, won a tony for ” boy from oz”, bill condon of “dreamgirls” fame is producing…..let’s put on a musical! I hope the show will be filled with song and dance numbers

      daniel day lewis is doing “nine”, he should sing the best actress presentation

    17. Zach December 12th, 2008 at 2:24 pm 17

      Considering that Meryl, Kate, and Penelope can carry a tune, I think the winners should be required to sing their acceptance speeches.

    18. k December 12th, 2008 at 2:25 pm 18

      murtada — Marion Cotillard is also doing Nine, and I’m thinking she should sing the Best Actor presentation.

    19. Jack Martin December 12th, 2008 at 2:26 pm 19

      Wow. I did NOT see that coming. Very interesting choice, I hope he’ll do great. Now we all just pray there won’t be a bloody actor’s strike…

    20. murtada December 12th, 2008 at 2:27 pm 20

      K – even better, it should be a requirement for presenters this year – they have to sing their presentations!

    21. Marc December 12th, 2008 at 2:35 pm 21

      Bruno who?

      Great choice. Seems like they’ve nailed his poosibility of a nomination into the coffin. And by accepting, seems he agreed with them.

    22. Ben December 12th, 2008 at 2:51 pm 22

      Dr. Cox from Scrubs wouldn’t be happy

    23. Jonah December 12th, 2008 at 2:59 pm 23

      No, Ben, Dr. Cox won’t be.

      God I miss that show and am so glad it’s coming to ABC soon.

    24. A+ December 12th, 2008 at 3:07 pm 24

      Of course they chose Hugh, he was just voted sexiest man alive, seems they really want ratings this year so they are marketing to women.

    25. Jim December 12th, 2008 at 3:11 pm 25

      Who was in charge this year? I’m frightened that they made such a good choice. Next thing we know, they’ll give awards to movies that deserve them. And then I truly won’t know what to do with myself.

    26. Tufas December 12th, 2008 at 3:21 pm 26

      Was hoping it would be Rocco Sifredi or Ron Jeremy! Sad Panda.

      Hope Jackman presents wearing nothing but a thong.

      T.

    27. rob December 12th, 2008 at 3:31 pm 27

      I guess I’m in the very small intersecting part of the zen diagram of “people who don’t like musicals” and “people who watch the Oscars”

      Hmmmm. Still Hugh is charismatic. I hope there’s not too much dancing.

    28. Alan of Montreal December 12th, 2008 at 3:32 pm 28

      A thong would be nice–I’d even settle for shirtless. I’m not sure how much singing and dancing there’ll actually be outside of the best song numbers, though. I think people kind of cringe at those kind of set pieces these days if they’re not a) ironic and b) not reflective of a particular nominee. Especially after the Rob Lowe-Snow White fiasco. Unless they are paying tribute to the Hollywood musical…in which case they might also bring out some stars from that era, like Rita Moreno, Liza Minelli, Shirley MacLaine…too bad Julie Andrews has lost her singing voice.

    29. Alan of Montreal December 12th, 2008 at 3:34 pm 29

      by the way, have they announced who’s getting the honorary Oscars this year yet?

    30. Tufas December 12th, 2008 at 3:36 pm 30

      In my opinion, kill musical numbers unless directly related to Score nominees, leave a small opening monologue, keep RIP segment, reduce Song nominees to 3, and give Shorts (doc and fiction) prior to the show, like those techie industry things. Sorry, but who cares!

      T.

    31. Keith Lucas December 12th, 2008 at 3:51 pm 31

      This should be the show:

      Present the top 8 only.
      Video montage of some sort.
      A few musical numbers (somehow figure out how to include Radiohead)

      It should last no longer than an hour and thirty.

      Oh, the Hugh Jackman choice is whack. I don’t care about his charm or looks. If he ain’t funny, then its not worth watching. They need to invite Dave Chappelle to host.

    32. KBJr. December 12th, 2008 at 3:52 pm 32

      My initial reaction: Hugh Jackman? Huh?!

      After a couple minutes of thought: Interesting, but Bill Condon probably knows more about this stuff than I do…

      Now: Maybe inspired, but I can’t shake the “wait and see” feeling.

      Then again, I am a guy who liked Ellen, Chris Rock, and Jon Stewart, and LOVES Whoopi Goldberg and her underappraciated hosting gigs…so maybe I won’t be as hard to please.

    33. Marty-O December 12th, 2008 at 3:52 pm 33

      I don’t know… I mean, I’m sure Hugh Jackman will be great hosting, but I don’t think I like the idea of scrapping the opening monologue.

      It’s usually one of my favourite parts, whether it’s more scathing like Jon Stewart’s or more idiosyncratic yet accessible (for lack of a better word) like Ellen’s…

    34. Jennybee December 12th, 2008 at 3:53 pm 34

      I’m psyched. Especially if he wears that get-up from the last scene in Australia. : D

    35. Paul Outlaw December 12th, 2008 at 4:26 pm 35

      In related news, Australia receives 12 Academy Award nominations.

    36. kezza December 12th, 2008 at 4:31 pm 36

      What a great choice he was so funny and charming when he hosted the Tonys. A breath of fresh air!

    37. Aaron Leggo December 12th, 2008 at 4:39 pm 37

      I never saw this one coming, but I like the choice. Definitely outside the box. It’ll be strange to not have a comedian up there on stage, trying to squeeze out laughs from lame jokes, but I think that’s a good thing. I was not a fan of either of Jon Stewart’s performances, so I’m all for something new and unexpected.

    38. Free December 12th, 2008 at 4:47 pm 38

      Interesting choice, but like someone else said, I had my heart set on Gervais.

    39. cole December 12th, 2008 at 5:02 pm 39

      i don’t know why people have been so harsh on stewart’s hosting of the show. i thought he was great both times.

    40. Ryan Griffin December 12th, 2008 at 6:17 pm 40

      I think it’s a wonderful choice, and makes perfect sense when paired with Condon. I would have like to see Gervais, but I’ll be damned if I complain about getting to stare at Hugh for 2+ hours!

    41. Marty-O December 12th, 2008 at 6:26 pm 41

      Indeed, I also thought Jon Stewart and his style fit pretty nicely, but even if he wasn’t someone’s cup of tea, getting rid of some of the humour of the thing (again, like the monologue) doesn’t seem like a good idea to me, if the point is to draw an audience in and make it entertaining.

      The way I see it, the oscars are, among other things, a night of back-patting and self-congratulation, so the least the celebs and industry folk can do is let us laugh with them, otherwise if they take each other too seriously (as in, “look at us, we’re so brilliant and classy and glamourous”), it becomes self-parody and we’re just laughing *at* them and their delusions of grandure, with no hint of irony in sight.

      Although I admit, a part of me was really holding out hope for the in-your-face bitchy satire of gervais… :)

    42. The Revanchist December 12th, 2008 at 6:48 pm 42

      I’m not a huge fan of Jackman, I would have rather seen Timberlake

    43. Will December 12th, 2008 at 7:02 pm 43

      yeah, hes really funny and entertaining.

      /sarcasm. Wheres Gervais? Big sadface. At least they could have done Stewart again.

    44. Marty-O December 12th, 2008 at 7:19 pm 44

      My idea that will never, ever happen: fine, have Hugh Jackman host, introduce presenters, song and dance numbers, the accountants, whatever, but have someone like stewart or gervais or colbert (!… or, dare I dream, all three?) do an opening monologue.

    45. cole December 12th, 2008 at 7:40 pm 45

      that would be great, marty. if they just stormed in angry exclaiming that each one had been promised the hosting duties, kick jackman off stage and do their own fight/dance/comedy sequence for about 5 minutes until jackman comes back on with a couple other actors and fights them off.

      or something of that manner. just thinking out loud.

    46. Tero Heikkinen December 12th, 2008 at 7:42 pm 46

      Is this the first time that an Australian is hosting? Wait a sec, how many non-Americans have hosted in general?

    47. Tero Heikkinen December 12th, 2008 at 7:43 pm 47

      Paul Hogan co-hosted in ‘87?

    48. RichardA December 12th, 2008 at 7:48 pm 48

      And the opening number is Hugh Jackman re-enacting his shower scene in Australia.
      And his chest wins best supporting actor!

    49. Daniel December 12th, 2008 at 8:24 pm 49

      Definitely an interesting choice. I don’t know what I think of it…just have to wait and see.
      I think if they really wanted ratings it should have been Colbert. The more I think about it, the more I think he would be perfect.
      And I usually find the opening monologue kinda boring. I’ll be happy if it is very short or non-existant this year. Get to the awards, do them fast, add a dash of musical numbers, RIPs and tributes in between and get it all done in an hour and a half!

    50. Alan of Montreal December 12th, 2008 at 9:19 pm 50

      All the hosts that people have hated, I’ve loved, especially Letterman. I thought Stewart did an awesome job last year, too–much better than his first go around. Those unfamiliar with Jackman’s work as a host can simply YouTube him–there’s a lot of Tony Awards footage on there. Then you can offer an informed opinion.

    51. The Natural December 12th, 2008 at 9:32 pm 51

      I like the choice, but they need to get Billy Crystal back SOON! Here’s hoping for next year.

      I also find it very ironic and kind of sad they picked the guy from the most (wrongfully) under-appreciated movie of the year. :(

    52. red_wine December 12th, 2008 at 9:53 pm 52

      I guess this is the only ever trip he’ll be making it to the Oscar podium outside of a presenter. He’s a really poor actor. The jokes better be stinging.

    53. Marty-O December 12th, 2008 at 10:39 pm 53

      Cole, *exactly*! I especially love the musical number idea in the beginning, ’cause that uses the fact that jackman is a great song-and-dance man, and it keeps it light and less stuffy.
      See, we’re doing the planning for them, if only they’d listen… : p

    54. Gentle Benj December 13th, 2008 at 12:31 am 54

      @ Marc: Bruno!

    55. Jason Park December 13th, 2008 at 1:23 am 55

      Look, the Academy needs to bring in viewers. They need the 18-34 demographic. Hugh Jackman is not going to bring in viewers. It’s just going to make the audience even more selective considering there’s not going to be much comedy. What the hell? They should’ve gone for someone like Conan O’ Brien, Sacha Baron Cohen or a personality that can carry a show like Steve Carrell, Will Ferrell or bring someone classic like Crystal or Martin. This pick is just ridiculous.

    56. Gentle Benj December 13th, 2008 at 1:44 am 56

      That’s a good point, Jason. Jackman isn’t the sort of host who will broaden the viewership. If the show’s producers want to attract the 18-34s, they should hope for a BP nod for The Dark Knight. WALL-E, too. Then they can run a bunch of ads billing the show as an epic battle royale between the Slumdog kid, the cute robot, and the goddamn Batman. I know I’m salivating.

    57. Niles December 13th, 2008 at 2:29 am 57

      Two words…..CONAN….O’BRIEN…..????? Oh wait I forgot he works at NBC. You know what I don’t hate on this its just I didn’t really expect him to become the host really, but I guess there has to be some sort of change to get the people’s attention to watch the OSCARS this year.

    58. Dominik December 13th, 2008 at 4:38 am 58

      Good choice!
      But still I´m a bit sad it´s not Kermit the Frog… :-(

    59. Alan of Montreal December 13th, 2008 at 6:22 pm 59

      Craig Ferguson would’ve been cool. Or Chelsea Handler


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    • 82nd Oscar Ceremony

      Hosts: Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin
      Producers: Adam Shankman, Bill Mechanic
      Director: Hamish Hamilton
      Music: Marc Shaiman

      Quentin Tarantino
      Pedro Almodovar

      Ampas Breakdown

      Actors-1,205
      Producers-462
      Executives-436
      Sound-405
      Writers-382
      Art Directors-373
      Directors-375
      Public Relations-370
      Members at Large-254
      Shorts/Feature Ani-335
      Visual Effects-272
      Music-233
      Editors-227
      Cinematographers-201
      Original Score-234
      Documentary-145
      Makeup-115
      Total Voting Members -approx 5,777


    • 82nd Oscar Ceremony

      Hosts: Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin
      Producers: Adam Shankman, Bill Mechanic
      Director: Hamish Hamilton
      Music: Marc Shaiman

      Quentin Tarantino
      Pedro Almodovar

    • Tuesday, December 1, 2009: Official Screen Credits forms due

      Monday, December 28, 2009: Nominations ballots mailed

      Saturday, January 23, 2010: Nominations polls close 5 p.m. PT

      Tuesday, February 2, 2010: Nominations announced 5:30 a.m. PT, Samuel Goldwyn Theater

      Wednesday, February 10, 2010: Final ballots mailed

      Monday, February 15, 2010: Nominees Luncheon

      Saturday, February 20, 2010: Scientific and Technical Achievement Awards presentation

      Tuesday, March 2, 2010: Final polls close 5 p.m. PT

      Sunday, March 7, 2010: 82nd Annual Academy Awards presentation



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    • Words

      “The Academy is composed of mostly older members making this movie a dark horse. The acting is top notch, the dialogue is intelligent, and the subject matter is timely. The weighted ballot system may just push this deserving movie to the top of the heap.

      Reitman’s picture is the most consistent of the nominated films I have seen, with each scene adding to the whole. Reviews have stated that some of the firing scenes were unnecessary and detracted from the film. In an odd way, they provided relief from all the tense personal relationships in the film, so I believe that the many interviews were valid.

      Up in the Air’s kind of ending, somber, isn’t what is keeping it from being a mainstream hit at this point. The content that deals with job loss is the biggest detractor above all else, even though the subject matter is handled with expertise. Movies with somber endings are dominating the award season. Up in the Air, Precious, Avatar, and The Hurt Locker have far from rosy endings.

      I agree that it appeals to older adults because of its subject matter. Job loss, lack of commitment, and the feminist bent of the film add up to something many forum posters will not champion because it doesn’t appeal to their young sensibilities. However, youth does not rule the Academy.”
      by Mac
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      The Hurt Locker*+++**+++******
      Avatar*+********
      Inglourious Basterds***+****
      Up in the Air+*+*******
      Precious******
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      Best Actor
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      George Clooney, Up in the Air+*++***
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      Colin Firth, A Single Man****
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      Best Actress
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      Best Supporting Actor
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      Best Supporting Actress
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      Best Director
      Kathryn Bigelow, The Hurt Locker++++*++*
      Jim Cameron, Avatar*+**
      Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds****
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      Best Original Screenplay
      Quentin Tarantino, Inglourious Basterds+*
      Joel and Ethan Coen, A Serious Man+*+*
      Mark Boal, The Hurt Locker***
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      Best Adapted Screenplay
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      Armando Iannucci, In the Loop+
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      Best Editing

      Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua, James Cameron, Avatar+**
      Chris Innis, Bob Murawski, The Hurt Locker***
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      Sandy Powell, The Young Victoria +*
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      Best Animated Feature
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      Best Visual Effects

      Avatar+*
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      Best Makeup

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      Best Song
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