Wolverine aka ‘Hugh Jackman’ to host Academy Awards
Written By: James Lincoln     Posted On: December 15, 2008

That’s right folks our old friend ‘Wolverine’ has it all. Hugh Jackman not only gets to parade around in a form-fitting costume, slicing up bad guys with unbreakable claws that would make any Iron Chef envious; not only did he get to go 'down under' with the timelessly sexy Nicole Kidman (Australia); and not only is he the reigning ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ but, he gets to host the biggest show in Hollywood too. Jackman was announced Friday as the host of the 81st Academy Awards.

It seems the Academy has decided to ditch the funny business for rugged and sexy type. Jon Stewart (definitely not rugged), who hosted in 2008 and 2006, and Ellen DeGeneres (definitely not sexy), the 2007 host, were the latest in a line of funny emcees since 1990. Billy Crystal did it eight times, Whoopi Goldberg took on four, Steve Martin did it twice and David Letterman and Chris Rock each had a shot. Just writing that is guaranteed to give me nightmares. And apparently, it did the same for the show’s producers. Well, that plus the show’s ratings are on a downward spiral that would rival the Dow Jones.

So, can the big guy handle the job?

"Thirty years ago when I was in Sydney watching Johnny Carson host the Oscars with my family, I never imagined that I’d one day have the chance to be up on that stage myself," he said in a statement. "I am very grateful to the Academy for giving me this opportunity. And, excited to be working with Larry and Bill on what I know will be a fun and memorable celebration."

As long as he doesn’t appear on stage in a Wolverine costume clinching a cigar in his teeth, I think he’ll do fine.

Source: Associated Press